Patient Transport Mistreatment Continued

[Velvetee]

Some of you may recall about a month ago I wrote a post regarding the poor treatment towards my elderly mother (who died last Sunday) by Patient Transport staff, where they refused to take her to her hospital appointment, because they did not wish to enter her home, which they said smelled.

Anyway, having written a letter of complaint to their management, I received a reply today, where she admitted their action and apologised for any upset.

Obviously I still feel aggrieved and still recall the phone call from my mum, who was in tears after the incident. I am not really happy with the explanation given and feel the two individuals involved should be disciplined. I have conveyed these feelings to their manager via E Mail today.

What I would like to know, is, should I go to the local press with what happened? I know these feelings are partly to do with feelings of grief after her death, but I also feel this sort of thing should be exposed, so other seriously ill, frail or elderly people are not disrespected in this way again.

[bednobs]

have you been through their complaints system fully?

personally i don't know th answer to your question, but i would have thought you had enough on your plate for now

[sara3]

maybe bednobs has a point. it's been a really tough time for you but maybe you need to let this go and concentrate on what's ahead of you. look after yourself and your baby bump.

I took up a medical negligence case for my ex some years ago. it was so stressful, and dragged on and on, so we eventually decided to drop it.. and we both heaved a sigh of relief when we did.

take care x

[Connemmara]

Sorry to hear of your mother's death. And like above posts - give yourself a little time to grieve. However when you are a little better and you want to pursue this matter - always write a letter of complaint - nobody acts up on emails or phonecalls but you are entitled to an answer by letter whatever it may be. Good luck with yourself and baby. We have all been in your position with the loss of our wonderful parents.

[Lil O'lady]

Remember that the media do not care about you. They want to sell papers / grab airtime. It may make you feel better, but it may also get Matron's back up (I know, they're managers, but they'd be better off with a Mato).
So be prrepared for any contact with the media being brief, possibly inaccurately reported, and possibly having no real benefit to your case.
I would keep going with the formal complaints process but build into it comments on any slowness. Lay on with a troawel the distress caused to you and your mother. Be prepared for a long song as they hope you go away out of boredom and frustraion. Involve your MP, they need to do something for the money they're paid. Don't give up unless it suits you to, but be aware of their tactics.
A guy in our local area just got settlement six years after mistreatment.

[Lil O'lady]

Sorry I appear to typing in ancient greek......some terrible typos in that last one.

[baileybird]

Were the people collecting your mother volunteer workers?
If so they are well within their rights to refuse to transport people. I am not saying this is a very kind thing to do, but I used to run a volunteer driving scheme and it must be remembered that these people are relieving NHS and relatives from their responsibility and is done out of kindness. I have had people refuse to transport people with incontinence and nausea as they do not want their cars messing up.
With regards to going to the press, be careful, it could backfire in your face, with reporting making out your mother was in some way dirty, which is not nice for any of you and more than likely not at all true.
My heart goes out to you.

[Velvetee]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

No Baileybird, they are not volunteeers, they are employed by the Buckinghamshire Ambulance Service.

I honestly don't care if people think she was dirty. She was 83, had Cancer, Diabetes and a serious heart condition, so was somewhat incontinent. These Ambulance people are accustomed to collecting the disabled and elderly for hospital appointments. It was not in a private car, but in an NHS Ambulance.

Anyone with an ounce of compassion and decency, would not treat a sick, elderly woman in such a way, would they want someone to do this to their own mother. I think not.

I plan next to write to their Chief Executives and still considering the local press.

[baileybird]

in that case, you have every right to complain. what do they think they are doing?
I, too would not leave it - it is rather insulting isn't it.
I have followed your posts this week, and feel sorry that in light of things that have happened to you over the last week or so that you are having to deal with this.
Bless you xxxx