I've posted a story involving a trip to hospital before...
www.b3ta.com/questions/overcomingadversity/post1808050

In that story I mention that NHS24 called me an ambulance. I got out of the bath and dressed then sat outside my house for the Ambulance to arrive.

When they turned up the driver (not the paramedic) was quite surprised to see me walking (or at least hobbling) about. I explained the situation; the swelling, seeing the Dr that morning, the spots on my legs and difficulty breathing. I also told them that I never called the Ambulance, that NHS24 did.

Now. The Paramedic couldn't have been nicer. He explained that yes my heart rate was a bit high and my blood pressure was odd but the driver was a complete and utter knob.

Told me that if I had received meds from the Dr that morning I should give them time to work, I was only panicking, I should go to bed and get some sleep etc. He told my mum the same thing when she met me at the Hospital and he told the nurses at my local hospital the same thing.

Before I was transferred to Aberdeen the Dr told me that, If I had followed his advice, chances are I'd never have woken up again as the fluid in my lungs would've drowned me in my sleep.

During the transfer to Aberdeen I discussed this with another Paramedic and driver. He hit the fucking roof. He was the depot manager and tried his best to get me to make an official complaint but I was too ill to really care or make a fuss. I went to visit the Ambulance crew when I got home and he explained that while he couldn't do any form of official disciplinary action he tore the driver a new arsehole.

Looking back 3 years later, I wish I'd made the complaint.
( Maffers I flow kinda strange like Spina Bifida footprints, Thu 16 May 2013, 13:06, 6 replies)

I'm conflicted.
On the one hand, I wish you'd made a formal complaint.
On the other hand, if more people would choose to quietly expire at home, the NHS could save a lot of money.
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Thu 16 May 2013, 13:21, closed)

Good point, well made.

( Maffers I flow kinda strange like Spina Bifida footprints, Thu 16 May 2013, 13:25, closed)

As he was a paramedic
I bet he tore him a really neat arsehole with minimal pain and bleeding
( ferret -> twitter.com/syfyautocorrect <-, Thu 16 May 2013, 13:59, closed)

Pfffft.

( Maffers I flow kinda strange like Spina Bifida footprints, Fri 17 May 2013, 12:05, closed)

medical mistakes
They happen all the time and it is really important that lessons are learnt from them. Never too late
(justin(e), Fri 17 May 2013, 6:30, closed)

12 month time limit for making complaints.

( Maffers I flow kinda strange like Spina Bifida footprints, Fri 17 May 2013, 12:04, closed)