Thank you to Northern General

[dmh79 10]

A friend of mine recently sustained a fractured cheekbone from hitting their head on the bath. Believing that nothing could be done (you can hardly put a plaster cast on someone's head now, can you?) medical attention was only sought a couple of weeks later upon the onset of severe neck and head pains and temporary loss of use of the legs. NGH A&E were found to be so disorganised and understaffed my friend felt like leaving out of sheer frustration had they been able to walk at the time.

 

After an 'admission' for tests, it was established that as the condition was not 'life threatening' (merely being a swelling of the meniges due to skull trauma - same symptoms as bacterial meningitis, but not treatable with antibiotics) my friend was sent home with a (complimentary) walking stick and instructions to take paracetamol every 4 hours. My friend was a bit ****** off & had a few words .. was told to sling their hook for taking up valuable bed space for a few hours. Honestly.

 

I don't want to sound like I'm putting the boot in, but if you don't seek medical advice for 2 weeks after fracturing any part of your skull (yes that includes your cheekbone) then you've got to be some kind of idiot.

Even the dimmest person would realise there is at least a chance of infection and that they would need some kind of medical treatment.

If they had gone into hospital when it had happened they would have probably be given the same advice. If all they can do is tell you to rest and take paracetemol, then thats all they can do. Did he expect them to magic up some special cure for him? Its his own fault for leaving it so long and letting it get so bad before seeking advice.

The nurses and doctors in the head injury ward where i stayed were exemplary in their conduct and professionalism.

[peak-polly 10]

The northern general have a wonderful specialised mobility and rehab centre. The staff are truly wonderful and give 100 % to their patients, without them id be up poo creek without a paddle, so i guess id like to join in with the thanking!

I seriously doubt the NHS have the ability or resources to please everyone, and people will always have differing experiences, good and bad. However under the new choose and book system patients are now able to choose where they want to be treated, allowing those who are not happy with the service at one hospital to be treated in another of their choice. Ill be sticking with the NG though.....

[Tess 10]

I had a very positive experience at the Northern General when I had an asthma attack, went in A&E, was admitted straight away (well, after being asked some questions by the receptionist first), then the doctor took my peak flow etc etc and put me on a bed, where I was checked on at least every half hour. They made me feel ever so calm when I went in hardly able to breathe, and I was very thankful of this.

 

Only have two MINOR critisms though - could the questioning from the receptionist have waited? I don't mind name age address etc but asking me all sorts of unnecessary questions when I could barely talk isn't a great idea..

 

Secondly- asking me to participate in a medical trial. However, I understand this is necessary for medicine to progress so I won't knock it.

[yan 10]

I just wanted to say thank you to the staff at Northern General where I had a minor op yesterday. Everyone, from theatre admissions unit to the recovery staff and all the nurses were great and made me feel at ease (or as much as possible given how nervous I was!), despite the place being incredibly hectic.

 

They don't always get the appreciation they deserve, so I hope I can rectify this just a little!

 

That's really nice. I work in operating theatres at the Northern General and it's nice to know that people appreciate what we do.

[hard2miss 10]

I partisipated in a medical trial once, I got 3 years for groase negligance and I dont do heart by passes !

[Tonto3 10]

I don't want to sound like I'm putting the boot in, but if you don't seek medical advice for 2 weeks after fracturing any part of your skull (yes that includes your cheekbone) then you've got to be some kind of idiot.

Even the dimmest person would realise there is at least a chance of infection and that they would need some kind of medical treatment.

If they had gone into hospital when it had happened they would have probably be given the same advice. If all they can do is tell you to rest and take paracetemol, then thats all they can do. Did he expect them to magic up some special cure for him? Its his own fault for leaving it so long and letting it get so bad before seeking advice.

The nurses and doctors in the head injury ward where i stayed were exemplary in their conduct and professionalism.

 

Just to clarify. Before you make any kind of assumptions about my friend's powers of reasoning, might I make the the differentiation between seeking advice and requiring attention. Obviously one does not ignore a head injury, and my friend consulted their G.P. the day after the fall as to what to do. The advice proferred was to leave it a couple of weeks, and if it still hurt, then to go for an x-ray. Unfortunately events intervened, and my friend sought help. I'm glad that you enjoyed your stay in the head injury ward and were treated appropriately.

[bogey1972 10]

I would save it a bit until your sure you havent formed a blood clot or picked up a super bug.

 

Post a thanks next week when your in the clear

 

 

I was tested for MRSA before I went in, as I gather everyone is before they go in for a routine op. Do some research before coming out with "intelligent and witty" comments.

[S1 1DJ 11]

I would like to thank A&E at the Northern General and Royal Hallamshire for patching me up last year :)

[hard2miss 10]

I was tested for MRSA before I went in, as I gather everyone is before they go in for a routine op. Do some research before coming out with "intelligent and witty" comments.

 

Lighten up, what have you had removed ? your sence of humour ?