When I attempted to check in as a visitor at the hospital, I was told someone else had already signed in to visit the room. A quick check revealed someone else was in that room; not my wife. Through more checking, the screening staff discovered that my wife had been moved to ICU overnight. No one had called me. ICU visiting hours would begin at 1 pm, three hours later.
I called the ICU and talked to my wife’s nurse; low blood pressure and breathing difficulties prompted the move. She might be moved back to a regular floor if IV meds stabilize her blood pressure at acceptable levels.
I tried to call the charge nurse on the floor where my wife had been. I left a voice message. I want to register concern about the lack of notice, but also to address multiple occasions of staff attempting to take blood pressure or draw blood from her right arm, which is forbidden and is clearly noted in her records. And I want to know if my request that a doctor order tests to check for UTI has been addressed.
I am so appreciative of competent healthcare professionals, but so intolerant of sloppy or dangerous or insensitive work by others who should not be allowed in medical settings.
Only 40 minutes until I can go to the ICU to see my wife. It seems more like 40 hours.
The twists and turns of health and illness are labyrynthine.
Thanks, Robin. I appreciate your comments and your well-wishes. These are difficult times for everyone. At least we should see some modest improvements, at least in the public arena, come late January. 😉
I have been reading your daily updates and am so sorry for what you and your wife are going through there. These are such difficult times in every way. Been thinking of you both and hoping things calm down. Take care there, John.