Life-threatening wait on patient permission call
A PENSIONER has hit out at the health board after paramedics had to get permission to rush him to Prince Philip Hospital with heart problems.
William John Leonard, 75, who lives in Fforest, was rushed to the Llanelli hospital on December 30 after suffering an atrial fibrillation — an irregular heartbeat which can increase the risk of a stroke.
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But because it was 9pm — outside official opening hours — Mr Leonard said he and his wife Irene were forced to wait while paramedics rang Prince Philip Hospital to see if he would be allowed to go there.
He said: "We had a paramedic here in the house.
"He was saying to me they were asking whether Prince Philip would accept me.
"They had to ring the hospital to see if they would take me as a heart patient. To have to hum and hah about where to take me is ridiculous."
Farcical
Mr Leonard said with a history of bad health, paramedics warned him he could have a stroke or heart attack if he was not taken straight to hospital.
"If I had gone to Carmarthen what would have happened? It's farcical," he said.
"I've had three heart attacks and a cardiac arrest.
"I've had two operations there. I owe my life to Prince Philip Hospital.
"This situation just doesn't bear thinking about."
A Hywel Dda Health Board spokeswoman said: "It would not be appropriate to discuss any aspect of an individual's care and treatment through the media.
"There are protocols in place with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to take patients to the most appropriate clinical setting based on their individual needs.
"We continue to repeat that clinical safety is of absolute importance and we would not put forward unsafe solutions.
"Any change to services must continue to provide safe, high quality and sustainable health care."
5 Comments
by clarysage50
Saturday, February 11 2012, 1:19PM
“As Mr Leonard's story is in the public domain, it is a pretty safe bet to assume that he wishes this matter to be discussed - so come on Hywel Dda Health Board, start giving the facts surrounding this situation. You failed Mr Leonard at a critical time.....we wait to hear your response. I send my very best wishes to Mr & Mrs Leonard.”
by Johnyuz
Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:52AM
“Following comments made by others, I decided to see who are the "Hywel Dda Health Board"
A quick search takes you to their website which carries their claim "Hywel Dda Health Board is pledging to help people add life to years and years to life"
Should that read "only in normal working hours" or is "adds miles to your treatment" more apt?
Looking further to see who are the "independent" members on the board I found a press release (2010) where they were proud to annouce the following as new indpendent member to the board (and I quote)
"The appointments, which complete independent membership on the board,
are Tim Irish as information and management technology specialist, David
Wildman as local authority representative, and Julie James as voluntary
sector representative.
Tim Irish lives in Solva, Pembrokeshire and has an extensive healthcare
industry background, having worked for GSK, GE and Philips both in Europe
and North America. He now holds numerous non-executive director roles,
including Chairman of the Supervisory Board of a Cardiovascular Medical
Device company based in the Netherlands. He was formerly on the
Community Health Council for Pembrokeshire.
David Wildman has been the County Councillor for Burton and Rosemarket
since 1999 and Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Older Persons
Champion since 2004. He was also a former member and Vice Chairman of
Pembrokeshire Health Board for nearly six years. David served for 22 years
in the Royal Air Force and on leaving he built up a successful construction
company in Wiltshire. He retired to Pembrokeshire in 1997 following a period
of time running a small holiday park near St Clears.
Julie James has extensive experience gained during her career in the airline
industry and the education system. Following retirement in 2000, Julie has
held non executive director posts with the Welsh Ambulance and
Pembrokeshire & Derwen NHS Trusts, with a particular focus on audit, human
resources and corporate governance, as well as championing hygiene and
cleanliness. She also served as a lay board member for Health Professions
Wales. Julie is currently a Director/Trustee of Keep Wales Tidy, a member of
Glas Cymru (Welsh Water), an Assessor for WAG's Corporate Health at Work
Standard and a Member of Swansea University Council. Julie lives in Capel
Isaac, Carmarthenshire with her Welsh GP husband"
So, with regards to Llanelli and Prince Phillip Hospital - we can be assured that our feelings and wellbeing are to the front of decisions made by these Independent Board Members
(Apoligies for any factual error or omissions - information taken direct from "Hywel Dda Health Board"
press release)”
by huwwuh
Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:38AM
“If, if, if and if again. The ''what ifs'' that never happen, but seem to replace gratefulness in the minds of people never ceases to amaze me. Fear of what might have happened ''if'' is not news.”
by siarad2
Saturday, February 11 2012, 11:26AM
“Yes weasel words from the important & self serving”
by thoughtfulone
Saturday, February 11 2012, 10:45AM
“and once again a health board avoids the difficult questions, under the confidentiality banner .”