Re: Help with letter to local authorities
Dear Sir/Madam
I am an 81 year old lady with numerous medical conditions which are quite debilitating and frightening. Unfortunately because of my many illnesses including COPD, heart failure, cancer and other conditions there are times when I need medical assistance.
As it isn’t always possible to visit a GP when I do become ill as it may be out of hours or they are fully booked, I sometimes feel I need to ring the out of hours number 111 for advice which usually results in the operator sending out an ambulance for me. Unfortunately I have had to do this on numerous occasions due to my poor health as there have been times that I have needed oxygen because I have breathing problems due to the COPD and heart failure. Each visit I have stayed a few hours and then been discharged even though I have still felt very unwell. Consequently, each time I have had to return. On my last hospital visit by ambulance a very rude hospital consultant made me feel a complete nuisance, his words being “do you know how many times you have been to this hospital” His words left me feeling very upset which I didn’t need on top of how I was already feeling. I am now worrying if I need to call for assistance again.
Of course I do not call for assistance unless I feel the need, I would much rather not have to use the NHS but unfortunately I am an elderly and sick lady so obviously I am going to need them from time to time but it has come to the point I am now confused as to what I should do in the future when I need medical assistance.
I would be very grateful if you could assist me by looking into the possibility of me having treatment at home so that I don’t have to ‘bother’ the hospital staff, as unfortunately, this is how the rude consultant has made me feel.
I would appreciate it if you could advise hospital staff not to patronise an already very poorly patient.
Yours faithfully