| Sunday, September 14, 2008 |
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A good friend of mine is seriously ill and fighting what is to be his last battle with that most dreadful of diseases - cancer. I visited him this afternoon in hospital where he repeatedly asked me to publish his views about his experience of professional healthcare here in the UK.
He looked at me with purpose and spoke slowly and with great difficulty, but was determined to deliver his opinion on the subject of hospital care for dying patients in the National Health Service.
"They operate like insects without engaging their brains. They seem to have a set number of tasks to perform; and that is all they are interested in doing. If I call for help or press the button for attention, nobody comes to assist me. If, as a result, I answer the call of nature in the only way I can, they are angry when they do finally return. There is no compassion here and no proper care for the patient.
Amongst other things, I was trained as a nurse in the army, so I could tell them what to do myself if they would listen. I don't know why they have not fitted a catheter - it would make life easier for them and for me. I know this comes as a bit of a shock, but tell people about it Will. Let them know what the reality is like here. Put it on your website. That will be my legacy: an expose of patient care in the modern health service."
It was heart-rending to listen to the man, who had always been so positive about life and so respectful and generous towards his fellow-man speaking this way about his hospital experience. He is due to be moved to a hospice tomorrow where I am sure he will be made comfortable; and where nature can be allowed to take it's course.
Apparently, a couple of weeks ago a cleaner had been mopping the floor and, it was reported to me by a visitor, that the bucket being used at the time had a notice on it that read: 'For Terminal Wards Only'. I was told that a man in the next bed began to cry when he saw it.
The main reason for making this post is to honour my commitment to my friend to publish his views. I am, naturally, deeply saddened to report his comments.
Hopefully, this kind of situation may not be representative of the health service as a whole - at least, I would like to think it is not. However, clearly, our hospitals are not geared to providing the kind of care required at the later stages of illnesses like cancer; and hospices, which do have the necessary expertise, do not always have places available for patients who really need their help.
As a society, we must surely do the very best we can to care for those who cannot, through no fault of their own, care for themselves. We must work towards improving things for patients who find themselves unable to receive proper care because they are effectively in hospital, but require hospice care. If we do not have enough hospice places, we must work toward making more available. If it costs money, then money must be found. We owe it to our loved ones. |
posted by The White Dove Partnership @ 10:04 PM   |
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