General Chat

My mum, who is now 70, had an accident this morning and cut her leg badly. Though she didn't bleed much, she did tear the leg as she caught it on the drawer on her bed.
She's on her own, but dressed the would and called NHS Direct. As her local hospitals small injuries dept is not open today, they advised that she would have to go to Addenbrokes in Cambridge, 20 miles away. She doesn't drive any more, so they advised her to get a taxi, which cost her £40!

I am absolutely furious at that, she's a pensioner FGS, how can they expect her to just pay out that sort of money?

Does anyone know if I am able to make a complaint, and if so, who to? I think its appalling.

Thats terrible to tell her to do that ..I would complain to her local GP and her health Authority .......when you hear about people calling 999 for tooth ach or coz they cant get parked when they get to the hospital ...

Hope your mum is ok and they have treated her .....How did she get home ?

Yes she's fine thanks, just had some steristrips put on it, no actual stitches, but its well strapped up, and she's got to keep off it for a few days and keep the foot up. They told her it will swell nicely.

She got her priest to come and collect her.

I nearly cried when she told me on the phone, I would have been hard pushed to find £40 for a taxi and I'm not on a pension!

I think the way she has been treated at her age is awful and if my mum aged 70 was treated like that I would complain to some one .........

Try her local PCT .....AND ring on Friday to the hospital at which she was treated and ask to speak to PALS.....they "help" you look into what happened and how to complain .........They are really good

Thanks for that Kemp, I will do that.

I doubt she'll get her money back, but I just want it heard...this is no way to treat a pensioner.

I can imagine if this sort of thing happens again she won't bother going...

She probably wont get her money back ...but thats not the point at her age .....

And next time if she doesnt go she may NEED to !!! you dont want that situation on anyones hands.........

My thoughts exactly.

She's very sensible is my mum, but I can imagine how she would be put off if there was a next time.

I am sorry to hear this Teresa...and hope her leg doesnt get infected..total shambles...if you ask me...btw did she enjoy the firework display on the TV last ?

xxx for TW mum xx

Fanks Hayley, no she didn't watch the fireworks, she hates them LOL

I've told her to watch the leg closely, because she's had an infection on that leg before where the whole leg went red and terribly swollen. I can't remember what its called now but it took months to get rid of. She has promised she will get to the doctors pronto if there is any sign, cos she doesn't want to have to go through all that again.

Hi Teresa

do you know what taxi firm your mom used if your mom could get a receipt of them she can claim it back .......

other people claims bus fares to and back from hospitals .........

hi

is your mum on benefits, cos she could claim the money back

Good points jgee and mummies, she is on benefits to top up her pension so I'll see if she has a receipt.

She also told me she had a letter fro the Gas company to tell her they are doubling her direct debit from £35 to £70, but I told her to kick up about that, as they wll reduce the rise...

Honestly, I think once you reach your three score and ten, thats it, they don't want to know...

I never ring the nhs its useless you have to wait hours for them to ring you back... i would make a complaint to them in writing .. they have to answer it ...
your mom should have had a ambulance sent to her because of her age... its disgusting treatment

the gas and electric are putting all charges up we are in the process of sorting mil out they have no right till the bill comes in .............

they are not allowed to double her direct debit, they have to give a very good reason for it, and if she is in credit then she can claim that back.

That Martin bloky was talking about it, and as she is a senior, they have to be careful as you have the option of going to the local and national papers, think of the scandal...

You have the power in you hands

Why didn't NHS direct advise her to phone her doctor?
It may be a Bank Holiday, but I'm sure doctors are still on call (albeit reluctantly). The amount of money they earn, they ought to work for it!!!

That IS disgraceful, TW. I hope your Mum feels a bit better though lighter in the pocket! You are right, once over a certain age you have to fight tooth and nail for everything. BC XX

Hi BC, yes she's feeling fine, now its all sorted out, but I was furious at the advice she was given!

I hope you're feeling a little bit better today, are the antibiotics starting to kick in yet?

Not fast enough for me, TW! I am getting stir crazy but everyone shouts when I say I might go out for a while. I should think tomorrow would be ok, wouldnt you? If I promise to avoid the party at the S*****s M*****n! pmsl BC XX

i think she will defo be able to claim the money back but she will need to get arecipt
i no at our hospital if u have a none emergancy that needs treating or seeign they send the hops mini bus taxi and its free

hope shes ok

hi BC hun hope your feeling better to xxx

Well BC, if its still freezing cold tomorrow I would suggest you stay in to be honest, the cold air will irritate you and set you off coughing again. Has Sherry been round today?