Hospitals

[alexander]

I have just spent 5 days in hospital with an asthma attack. I could not fault the treatment i received, but what I found really quite distrubing was though the nurses on the ward contact the dietician 4 times during my stay nobody came to see me and there was no way we could find out what was dairy free from the menus that were handed out for each meal. I also am allergic to fish and eggs so as you can see there was very little choose for me were meals were concern. Why I find this quite worrying they do not seem to take these conditions seriosly.The only one they seem to cater for is diabetes.
I would be really interested in hearing of your views or experiences.


Tracey

[Lan]

Hi Tracy,

I have recently been thinking about the subject of hospitals myself. I was worried that if I was rushed in they may pump me full of lactose, and what would I eat.

I came up with the solution of getting an identifying necklace which allows you to keep your allergies known, and also keep them with you 24 hours a day.

Does anyone else have any other solutions?

Lan
(Website Owner) :D

[jacqui]

Last year my Mum was rushed to hospital having had a devistating stroke. Sadly she died there 10 days later, she was 66. :sad:
Almost as soon as she was taken to the ward a drip was put up with 'liquid feed'. NOBODY asked any of the family if she had any dietry problems ( which, in fact, she didn't). The feed looked very milky and I remain sure that it was a milk based liquid meal - absolutly fine for 'most people'.

As I say, Mum didn't have a problem BUT it did make me think seriously about getting a 'medic-alert' type necklace because of the danger othe same thing happening to me it I were taken to hospital in an unconcious state and my family were initially unavailable to inform staff of the danger.

Having said that, I must add that the staff were all wonderful, caring and utterly supportive of the family at this unspeakably awful time. I couldn't fault or critisise their care in any way.

AND I have yet to get round to getting the necklace - they are not cheap !

[Steve]

In case anyone here hasen't seen the medicalert info, i'll post it here.

The website is http://www.medicalert.co.uk/. They are a registered charity who provide bracelets, necklaces, etc with your details on and a 24 hour phone number. The phone number can be used to get your exact medical details from anywhere in the world.

As Jacqui said, they are not cheap though.

The prices start at £19.99 plus you have to pay £10 for the first years membership. Membership is billed anually at £15 per year. Membership is free to people on limited income though.