Why was Michael left to wander streets?
8:59am Friday 15th March 2013 in News
By Jessica Bell, Health reporter
A GRANDFATHER discharged from the Royal Bolton Hospital at 3.30am was found lost and freezing in Farnworth an hour later by police.
Michael Atkinson, aged 64, who is taking morphine and is confused, was found without his coat in sub-zero temperatures near Farnworth Cricket Club — which is more than half-a-mile from the hospital — at 4.30am on Wednesday, March 6.
He had hurt himself after he fell while he was lost and has been left “very distressed” by his ordeal.
Mr Atkinson was wearing a hospital wristband when he was found, but it had the name and details of a two-year-old girl and not his information.
Hospital bosses have launched a “full review” into what happened.
Now his wife, Helen, who had been told her husband was being admitted to the hospital for a brain scan following a stroke, is calling for action to be taken against the hospital for “negligence”.
Mrs Atkinson, from Breightmet, said: “When the police brought him back, he was in a terrible state. I was distraught and he was crying. He was like a bag of ice. It has made him worse.
“Something is very wrong at that hospital. You don’t discharge a man in his state at 3.30am in the morning.”
Mr Atkinson suffered a stroke in 2005 and has been taking morphine for a slipped disc that has trapped a nerve.
He suffers from emphysema and lung disease and has had pneumonia three times.
Mrs Atkinson said her husband had been due to be collected by an ambulance for a brain scan, following a possible second stroke, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday, March 5.
But an ambulance did not arrive at the couple’s home until 11.40pm that night.
Mrs Atkinson said the ambulance staff did not know why they were collecting her husband and, when at the hospital, no scan was carried out.
After her husband was brought home by police at 4.30am the next morning, the 64-year-old said she was “livid”.
He was found without his coat, which had been a Christmas present, and was missing his medication.
Mrs Atkinson believes if he had not been found he could have got hypothermia and died.
She called the hospital to find out why she had not been contacted to collect him and said she was told they “couldn’t find my number in his notes” and that her husband could not remember his phone number.
Mr Atkinson was re-admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged and is back at the couple’s home.
His wife has complained to the hospital and has contacted solicitors.
She said: “I am so upset that my poor husband has suffered for so long unnecessarily. It is disgusting.
“Every time I walked in there to go and see him I took notes because I don’t trust them.”
Heather Edwards, head of communications at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are aware of Mrs Atkinson’s concerns and a full review is taking place to understand exactly what happened.”
Earlier this week The Bolton News reported that a 76-year-old male patient walked more than a mile from the hospital in his pyjamas and dressing gown before he was stopped and taken in by a hairdresser.
And a 90-year-old man, who was reported missing from the hospital at 10am on March 2, was discovered in Bristol, 175 miles away.
Last year hospitals were told to end the “obviously unacceptable” practice of sending elderly or vulnerable patients home in the middle of the night.
Sir Bruce Keogh, medical director of the NHS, ordered an urgent review of how the service is discharging hundreds of thousands of patients amid concerns some are being left to fend for themselves.
His intervention came after The Times newspaper obtained figures showing 293,000 patients at 100 hospital trusts had been sent home between 11pm and 6am in 2011.
Comments(76)
ianfrank
says...
9:58am Fri 15 Mar 13
steveG
says...
10:07am Fri 15 Mar 13
questionairre
says...
10:19am Fri 15 Mar 13
Staff do what they want with no repercussion.
If I had the sick time that some of them get away with, I would have been sacked a long time ago.
arrian
says...
10:34am Fri 15 Mar 13
when i became ill again some days later, my GP said he would do 'everything i can to keep you OUT of hospital'! says it all really, doesn't it.
local villager
says...
10:36am Fri 15 Mar 13
thankfully the police were there at the right time for my Dad otherwise I dread to think what would of happened as we (his daughters) were unaware that the ambulance had picked him up at such a silly time and didn't know he had been left in such a vulnerable state as did Helen my step mum. Thankfully due to my sister getting a doctor to see him the following day he was re admitted to hospital and has been treated for what he originally went in for. we just need to wait for the results and to see how well the new pain relief works.
magic dragon
says...
10:44am Fri 15 Mar 13
Albinosupport
says...
11:49am Fri 15 Mar 13
MarkAllRead
says...
12:11pm Fri 15 Mar 13
jellbellkell
says...
12:15pm Fri 15 Mar 13
boltonchap
says...
12:17pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Albinosupport wrote:The first apologist, took longer than I expected. " You never know when you may need them yourself " - I have needed them on numerous occasions, and only once was the standard of care and treatment acceptable.
Not all the staff are terrible at this hospital. There are a lot of very caring staff too, people like to concentrate on the bad and have a moan. My mum was a nurse on Plaster Theatre for over 40 years and she and her colleagues are always caring and treat the patients with dignity and compassion. I too have stayed in the hospital many times, some were good stays some were a little lacking. But please do not tar all the staff with the same brush. You never know when you may need them yourself.
Albinosupport
says...
12:39pm Fri 15 Mar 13
boltonnut
says...
12:45pm Fri 15 Mar 13
tinypet
says...
12:53pm Fri 15 Mar 13
sunnylife
says...
1:08pm Fri 15 Mar 13
2. A member of his family or friend to collect him.
3. How did the hospital not have his/a contact telephone number in his notes?
4. Why was he wearing a wrist band belonging to a child?
Staff need to be sacked here for gross misconduct.
My best wishes to Mr Atkinson and his family and to his wife Helen..... SUE, SUE, SUE you could easily have lost your husband through neglect from people in this "caring" profession.
boltonchap
says...
1:31pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Albinosupport wrote:Quite simply Albino, what you are saying is, " Doctor does his job ". And yet you are ecstatic about this, it's what he has been trained for and is paid well to do.
If it was not for the caring delligent staff at RBH I would not have my children who all received excellent care in the Special Needs Baby Unit. Due to their care my second child's life was saved. The care and compassion I received at this time from Dr Burn and his team went above and beyond the norm. Dr Burn even travelled to Manchester Childrens Hospital after my son was transfered to see how he was - is this not a caring doctor? I am not an 'apologist' I am a realist. My son is now 17 and is healthy but without Dr Burn he would not be here.
this was also many years ago - the NHS has gone downhill since then.
chelseahulme
says...
1:35pm Fri 15 Mar 13
boltonchap
says...
1:40pm Fri 15 Mar 13
local villager
says...
1:50pm Fri 15 Mar 13
I personally think that certain departments are overstretched but there should be a duty of care for every single patient otherwise they are in the wrong job.
boltonchap
says...
1:54pm Fri 15 Mar 13
that's really caring!!! I wouldn't out my cat out at these times.
boltonchap
says...
1:56pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Probably on overseas fact finding missions, somewhere nice and warm no doubt.
boydell
says...
2:03pm Fri 15 Mar 13
All they are interested in is putting in the hours and collecting their pay at the end of the week.
They haven't got the brains they were born with to realise that they are employed to look after the welfare of the patients.
If they are not capable of doing this job which they were employed to do they should be sacked and caring people hired in their place.
Who was the idiot who discharged this man ?? this person should be named and shamed and sacked on the spot, but no doubt this person will have some excuse for not doing their job right.......maybe he/she was feeling under the weather !!!
Dobbler
says...
2:19pm Fri 15 Mar 13
The best incentive for the Bolton populace to look after their health is to see what goes on in this death camp.
duffbikes
says...
2:35pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Scabz87
says...
2:57pm Fri 15 Mar 13
local villager wrote:Over stretched beyond belief. Sometimes people are too quick to blame the nurses, look at the powers over them who are cutting wages, who aren't covering shifts, who aren't putting specials on wards where they are needed. One of my parents works on a very heavy ward at RBH and they are always coming home to say how they wouldn't want their mum or dad to be looked after there because they are always so shortly staffed, and stretched beyond their capacity. I agree, not all nurses and doctors are of the caring nature and some don't give a toss, but this is the minority. Most are hard working and put 110% into their job.
Albinosupport:- lets just hope you or a member of your family never have a bad experience like my dad has had to face, no one has tarred the hospital with the same brush but this what has happened is so wrong and needs acknowledging along with the 2 other gentlemen that this has recently happened to. My Dad will be the first to tell you when he was re admitted this week the duty of care on G3 was fantastic and they really looked after him and many thanks go out to them for this.
I personally think that certain departments are overstretched but there should be a duty of care for every single patient otherwise they are in the wrong job.
buckfuzzby
says...
4:46pm Fri 15 Mar 13
was it a case of we need another bed, so lets find somebody that can stand up and then send them home?
The people that set these targets have a lot to answer for, but that shouldn't stand in the way of common sense, the buck stops firmly with the staff that were supposed to be looking after a vulnerable patient, YOU SHOULD HANG YOUR HEADS IN SHAME.
Dobbler
says...
5:32pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Its impossible to give 110% my friend. Your parent give 100% at best - and thats what we, as tax payers, expect and demand. If they dont like it tell them to jack their jobs in and let someone out of work have the money instead. The trouble now in the NHS is that staff will he having to be more accountable and offer proper value for money to the tax payers - us. Things are only going to get tougher for them - so get used to it - or get out.
That's life my friend. Times is tough.
Mike23
says...
6:44pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Thankfully, her friend was with her, who is 78.
they were both forced to wait for a taxi for nearly 40 mins; she was cold, tired, in pain, distressed...BUT THANKFULLY she was alive and out of that awful place.
Lawlesschat
says...
6:52pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Me, me, me ... Of course it's awful what happened and yes this appears to be negligence from what's written in the article.
But let's not forget, most News stories are written to sell, there'll be loads missing.
Erm, you've now started on the police!
How has this now become the police' fault??
Stop barking and apply a little thought before making ridiculous comments.
Lawlesschat
says...
7:08pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police?
Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions!
The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions?
If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
hoboh2o
says...
8:09pm Fri 15 Mar 13
As for our local Mp who is probably busy on some commitee investigating abuse against Bin Ladens mob or Taliban terrorists, make up your own minds.
Albinosupport
says...
8:17pm Fri 15 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Oh contrare my dear blogger - I have stayed in the hospital just 2 years ago to have my gall bladder removed and ended up staying as I became ill after surgery and the level of service and care I received was fabulous. You are just determined to be one minded and see only what you want to see and be able to moan about.
Albinosupport wrote:Quite simply Albino, what you are saying is, " Doctor does his job ". And yet you are ecstatic about this, it's what he has been trained for and is paid well to do.
If it was not for the caring delligent staff at RBH I would not have my children who all received excellent care in the Special Needs Baby Unit. Due to their care my second child's life was saved. The care and compassion I received at this time from Dr Burn and his team went above and beyond the norm. Dr Burn even travelled to Manchester Childrens Hospital after my son was transfered to see how he was - is this not a caring doctor? I am not an 'apologist' I am a realist. My son is now 17 and is healthy but without Dr Burn he would not be here.
this was also many years ago - the NHS has gone downhill since then.
My son also stayed at Birmingham Childrens hospital before it moved to new premises for open heart surgery and that hospital was filthy! the staff the doctor that treated my son was rude and arrogant.
petitevamp
says...
8:25pm Fri 15 Mar 13
mixedspice5
says...
10:02pm Fri 15 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Hardly an apologist - merely stating that not all the staff are bad. I am sorry that you have a bad experience/experienc
Albinosupport wrote:The first apologist, took longer than I expected. " You never know when you may need them yourself " - I have needed them on numerous occasions, and only once was the standard of care and treatment acceptable.
Not all the staff are terrible at this hospital. There are a lot of very caring staff too, people like to concentrate on the bad and have a moan. My mum was a nurse on Plaster Theatre for over 40 years and she and her colleagues are always caring and treat the patients with dignity and compassion. I too have stayed in the hospital many times, some were good stays some were a little lacking. But please do not tar all the staff with the same brush. You never know when you may need them yourself.
es but you cannot condemn the entire workforce.
Boltonlady
says...
11:02pm Fri 15 Mar 13
I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!!
It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job.
I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
boltonchap
says...
11:32pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Lawlesschat wrote:Yet another erudite insightful comment from a looney. Thought by now you would have signed up for treatment lawless as you are clearly of limited intellectual ability and need help. Look at the facts, ignore the dogma and just concentrate on whatever it is that you do as a public-self-servant.
Boltonchap ... Give your arse a rest and your mouth an opportunity.
Me, me, me ... Of course it's awful what happened and yes this appears to be negligence from what's written in the article.
But let's not forget, most News stories are written to sell, there'll be loads missing.
Erm, you've now started on the police!
How has this now become the police' fault??
Stop barking and apply a little thought before making ridiculous comments.
In the meantime those of us who pay a great deal of tax and get crap public services in return will continue our campaign to clean up the public sector, get rid of waste and get rid of wasters. Those of you who are happy to be taken to the cleaners can wallow in mediocrity - I for one won't.
boltonchap
says...
11:41pm Fri 15 Mar 13
Lawlesschat wrote:That's a bit more articulate than the usual,incoherent stuff you promulgate - did a colleague at Unison help you out?
And for clarity before you begin an attempt to twist my words ... At no point did I say anything in defence of the way the hospital was being run, I merely stood up for the nurses who you publically ripped to shreds for airing their own (and appropriate) views on the previous story.
Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police?
Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions!
The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions?
If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
Lawlesschat
says...
2:55am Sat 16 Mar 13
And for clarity before you begin an attempt to twist my words ... At no point did I say anything in defence of the way the hospital was being run, I merely stood up for the nurses who you publically ripped to shreds for airing their own (and appropriate) views on the previous story.
Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police?
Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions!
The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions?
If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
That's a bit more articulate than the usual,incoherent stuff you promulgate - did a colleague at Unison help you out?
Boltonchap ... I'd ask you to consider self reflection before diagnosing others with what ever utter crap you just spouted above!
If it makes you feel better for me to say that someone else has written for me then I've no objection in you wanting to believe that.
Seriously though, as I've said before, stop being such a victim and move on in life, it's short, your blood pressure will be sky high with all your anger and frustrations!
I'm actually trying to help you ... had you not noticed!?
jillyt
says...
8:36am Sat 16 Mar 13
boltonchap
says...
10:58am Sat 16 Mar 13
Lawlesschat wrote:I'm trying to help you and all the other sheep who are prepared to accept low standards of healthcare. Just this morning a government adviser has said he warned the last government about failings in the NHS and if they'd taken action some 20,000 deaths could have been prevented. That's the equivalent of 9/11 tines 7. That's 80% of the capacity of the reebok.
Lawlesschat wrote:
And for clarity before you begin an attempt to twist my words ... At no point did I say anything in defence of the way the hospital was being run, I merely stood up for the nurses who you publically ripped to shreds for airing their own (and appropriate) views on the previous story.
Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police?
Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions!
The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions?
If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
That's a bit more articulate than the usual,incoherent stuff you promulgate - did a colleague at Unison help you out?
Boltonchap ... I'd ask you to consider self reflection before diagnosing others with what ever utter crap you just spouted above!
If it makes you feel better for me to say that someone else has written for me then I've no objection in you wanting to believe that.
Seriously though, as I've said before, stop being such a victim and move on in life, it's short, your blood pressure will be sky high with all your anger and frustrations!
I'm actually trying to help you ... had you not noticed!?
Now it's clear you have an imagination lawless - not necessarily a sign of intelligence in your case of course - so try to visualise those numbers.
My wife was very nearly one of these 20,000. But for my intervention she would be. But I'm not a victim as you say, I held my views about the NHS and the public sector before the dreadful encounter with the RBH.
Anyhow end of debate - you have your views and I have mine. Yours are based on politics and preservation of the status quo, mine are based on reality and refusing to accept crap service from the public sector.
Andyroost
says...
12:18pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Lawlesschat wrote:Im sat here actually recovering from massive surgery at the RBH, my care was spot on throughout, faultless. this is why until i read your letter Im here shaking my head reading all the negative statements of people climbing on the negatives, can the people not read the situation, the government want to privatise the whole setup, We have massive influx of people coming from other countries just to get on the gravy train, benefits and free medical, and never paid a penny in to the system. sorry going of track, our local hospital will be shut soon and all this negative talk will make it sooner, then will be too late, has cameron and his cling ons made any cuts to mp's expenses, No brushed under mat. hes a conman and the sooner people aim their anger at him the better, Hes reduced the funding to the RBH by millions, how can the service survive. So instead of assisting him in crippling RBH lets start getting behind the RBH and NHS and push the cuts back up his back benchers. "shut the borders"
And for clarity before you begin an attempt to twist my words ... At no point did I say anything in defence of the way the hospital was being run, I merely stood up for the nurses who you publically ripped to shreds for airing their own (and appropriate) views on the previous story. Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police? Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions! The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions? If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
boltonchap
says...
12:44pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Andyroost wrote:Andyroost I hope your recovery continues. But again you're another apologist coming at this from a political angle, clearly the Labour Party one. The cuts have nothing to do with the culture of the NHS which allows malpractice to be covered up. The mid staffs scandal took place during a period of massive year on year increases in th NHS budget under Milburn, Hewitt and Burnham.
Lawlesschat wrote:Im sat here actually recovering from massive surgery at the RBH, my care was spot on throughout, faultless. this is why until i read your letter Im here shaking my head reading all the negative statements of people climbing on the negatives, can the people not read the situation, the government want to privatise the whole setup, We have massive influx of people coming from other countries just to get on the gravy train, benefits and free medical, and never paid a penny in to the system. sorry going of track, our local hospital will be shut soon and all this negative talk will make it sooner, then will be too late, has cameron and his cling ons made any cuts to mp's expenses, No brushed under mat. hes a conman and the sooner people aim their anger at him the better, Hes reduced the funding to the RBH by millions, how can the service survive. So instead of assisting him in crippling RBH lets start getting behind the RBH and NHS and push the cuts back up his back benchers. "shut the borders"
And for clarity before you begin an attempt to twist my words ... At no point did I say anything in defence of the way the hospital was being run, I merely stood up for the nurses who you publically ripped to shreds for airing their own (and appropriate) views on the previous story. Why do we have this 'dangerous' culture of blaming the entire work force of the NHS and the Police? Those working front line, the vast majority do a grand job under from what I see as ever dwindling and ridiculous conditions! If the public stood together and demanded the cuts being implimented be revoked then maybe the Goverment may consider a 'common sense' approach to their unreal decisions! The problems stem at government level, the bosses of these organisations have no other option but to be subdued by them in Government, what bloody chance do the front line staff have under such pressures and dangerous conditions? If you want to make a difference I would suggest direct your angers at the Government who are the number one culprits for the shambles these isles are currently at.
You've had a good result at the RBH - well done: there are many many more who haven't.
As for cutting the NHS budget this government haven't. It's being increased year on year albeit at a rate less than the rate of inflation. Alongside this the NHS is being asked to make efficiency/productiv
ity savings of many billions over the next few years - the savings to be reinvested in th NHS. Nothing wrong with that, using funds more efficiently surely. As for privatisation, that old chestnut again - please labourites come up with something better than that and something that you can prove. Try this - waiting lists were significantly reduced under the last government, true. How was this chievec? By contracting with the private sector to deliver elective surgery on a huge scale. BUPA, Spire and BMI were just a few of those who benefited. So did their patients and the numbers looked wonderful for the labour government. Everybody was happy.
Scabz87
says...
3:09pm Sat 16 Mar 13
Dobbler wrote:It is a figure of speech MY FRIEND. As a matter of fact, my parent absolutely loves their job and is most definitely of the caring nature.....as you would expect of a nurse. How can you say 'let someone out of work have the money's instead?!!' You obviously aren't aware of the point I am making..... It takes years of training, a university place, funding and dedication to become a nurse, so 'letting someone out of work have the money instead' doesn't cut it I'm afraid. Yes it is going to get tougher, especially with the cut backs, but only so much can be done on skeleton staff MY FRIEND......
Scabz87
Its impossible to give 110% my friend. Your parent give 100% at best - and thats what we, as tax payers, expect and demand. If they dont like it tell them to jack their jobs in and let someone out of work have the money instead. The trouble now in the NHS is that staff will he having to be more accountable and offer proper value for money to the tax payers - us. Things are only going to get tougher for them - so get used to it - or get out.
That's life my friend. Times is tough.
boltonchap
says...
3:23pm Sat 16 Mar 13
We do expect nurses to be of a caring nature - the sad reality is that some of them aren't yet they remain employed in a caring profession. Ditto doctors and consultants.
Kelly Welly
says...
5:03pm Sat 16 Mar 13
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know what's coming next.....
"Privatisation" Need I say more!
hoboh2o
says...
3:18am Sun 17 Mar 13
Boltonlady wrote:No offence but if it is purely a management problem giving the impression staff do not care then why are they or their union not screaming blue murder?
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds. I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!! It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job. I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
I am sure if they did they would get full public support so it does appear there is some failiure of care involved here.
Davedav
says...
2:16pm Sun 17 Mar 13
If the bolton even news wants to write stories about the hospital then they should write decent ones and be proud of the hospital.
I was in hospital with michael and to think he was sat letting the staff of G3 run around after him and take care of him whilst planning a stunt like this is a joke. He should be ashamed of himself.
The staff on G3 bent over backwards for this man and made him a 100% better before being discharged so how he can sit there and slate the hospital an the staff is beyond me.
Yeh you maybe had a bad experience but this story aint the whole truth at all. So i think michael owes the hospital and its staff an appoligy because i know this story will of offended alot of people.
As for the wrong band come on you are having a laugh. And am sure when the band will of been put on michael will of checked so why didnt he mention it to the staff?
Yeh the story is a joke.
If the bolton evening news wants to hear a good proper story about the hospital then contact me and the 10,000s of other people it has treated. I have been to all the main hospitals in manchester and this hospital is by far the best.
The staff are a pleasure to be around and actually care for the patients we aint just another number like in the rest of the big hospitals.
PRINT A DECENT TRUE STORY FOR ONCE.
boltonchap
says...
3:53pm Sun 17 Mar 13
Davedav wrote:Davedav - read the full story before you commit to print. He was only in the hospital for a few hours from midnight onwards: he can't have been there longer than 3 and a half hours. Ambulance collected him from home st 11:40 pm and he was discharged at 3:30am. The early hours of the morning Dave on ward G3: the staff made him 100% better and bent over backwards for him? How does that work then? It seems he was taken there for a scan so why would he be put on a ward? How long does it take to be allocated a bed upon arrival? How long does the discharge process take?
This story is aload of rubbish and so far fetched its unbelieveable.
If the bolton even news wants to write stories about the hospital then they should write decent ones and be proud of the hospital.
I was in hospital with michael and to think he was sat letting the staff of G3 run around after him and take care of him whilst planning a stunt like this is a joke. He should be ashamed of himself.
The staff on G3 bent over backwards for this man and made him a 100% better before being discharged so how he can sit there and slate the hospital an the staff is beyond me.
Yeh you maybe had a bad experience but this story aint the whole truth at all. So i think michael owes the hospital and its staff an appoligy because i know this story will of offended alot of people.
As for the wrong band come on you are having a laugh. And am sure when the band will of been put on michael will of checked so why didnt he mention it to the staff?
Yeh the story is a joke.
If the bolton evening news wants to hear a good proper story about the hospital then contact me and the 10,000s of other people it has treated. I have been to all the main hospitals in manchester and this hospital is by far the best.
The staff are a pleasure to be around and actually care for the patients we aint just another number like in the rest of the big hospitals.
PRINT A DECENT TRUE STORY FOR ONCE.
You see the dichotomy here - your version contradicts entirely the version printed in the BEN. I'm trying to see both sides here but am a bit suspicious, to say the least, of your version without more clarification.
Davedav
says...
5:09pm Sun 17 Mar 13
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
boltonchap
says...
5:48pm Sun 17 Mar 13
Davedav wrote:Hang on a minute - were you at the hospital the night/early morning that this incident took place? Yes or no. Or are you talking about your encounter with him on ward G3 on a previous occasion?
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
We're you also aware that having been given morphine and having had a stroke it isn't the least bit surprising that the police misread his condition - and how do you know the police thought he was drunk and disorderly? We're you there when they found him? Are you a policeman?
This is the kind of clarification I would like.
boltonchap
says...
6:51pm Sun 17 Mar 13
boddingtons101
says...
3:52am Mon 18 Mar 13
boltonchap
says...
8:41am Mon 18 Mar 13
Davedav wrote:Davedav - I don't know the facts here but it seems you don't either. Your accusations against Mike and his family are, if wrong, libellous: if I were them I'd be briefing my lawyer first thing his morning to track you down via the BEN ( they have your details ) and sue you. Just a thought I wanted to share with you!
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
Coleygiz
says...
2:02pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Boltonlady wrote:A good solution, get rid of the stupid amount of admin staff, put more nursing staff on the wards and a matron, who is answerable to everything, on each ward
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds.
I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!!
It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job.
I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
savethe nhs
says...
7:16pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Puffin-Billy
says...
9:42pm Mon 18 Mar 13
In Britain old people are a burden on society - get used to it.
Forks89
says...
9:51pm Mon 18 Mar 13
maryhorts
says...
10:36pm Mon 18 Mar 13
hoboh2o wrote:Front line staff shout quietly but their comments are not addressed ..We are asked to file critical incident reports on dangerous staff levels and vulnerable patients and the care (or lack of )they receive......I have never known anyone receive a reply to these reports or seen an increase in staffing .It appears a paper tick box exercise to cover all angles .Sort of "Ok your concerns are duly noted but get back and deal with it "...Not ideal for anyone involved ...
Boltonlady wrote:No offence but if it is purely a management problem giving the impression staff do not care then why are they or their union not screaming blue murder?
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds. I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!! It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job. I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
I am sure if they did they would get full public support so it does appear there is some failiure of care involved here.
boltonchap
says...
10:49pm Mon 18 Mar 13
maryhorts wrote:Crickey Maryhorts all that work you have to do - at least this time you haven't said it's not your job, not like the pot for your elderly patients' false teeth.
hoboh2o wrote:Front line staff shout quietly but their comments are not addressed ..We are asked to file critical incident reports on dangerous staff levels and vulnerable patients and the care (or lack of )they receive......I have never known anyone receive a reply to these reports or seen an increase in staffing .It appears a paper tick box exercise to cover all angles .Sort of "Ok your concerns are duly noted but get back and deal with it "...Not ideal for anyone involved ...
Boltonlady wrote:No offence but if it is purely a management problem giving the impression staff do not care then why are they or their union not screaming blue murder?
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds. I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!! It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job. I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
I am sure if they did they would get full public support so it does appear there is some failiure of care involved here.
maryhorts
says...
10:55pm Mon 18 Mar 13
Coleygiz wrote:These modern Matrons have been about for years ....They do not seem to be the answer .........The answer is more valued HCA;s to carry on the most important task ,patient care ....as we qualified staff are taken away to audit the
Boltonlady wrote:A good solution, get rid of the stupid amount of admin staff, put more nursing staff on the wards and a matron, who is answerable to everything, on each ward
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds.
I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!!
It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job.
I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
work we cannot deliver ...Qualified nurses see the job they signed up for disappearing into a swamp of meetings with other agencies ,form filling and arranging transfers .It is a rewarding and great job it just appears to have lost it's way in managerial priorities and thats really sad .Give me 20 yrs ago ...it was a lot simpler and patients and relatives happier ..
maryhorts
says...
11:09pm Mon 18 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Did think about it but was waiting for the response ...The 'Denturegate' episode actually had to do with a relative who had a go at me because RBH does not supply tooth pots rather than me objecting to place them in a pot 'I may have phrased this badly but the response generated was quite threatening and I hope that you never have to experience the vehemence sustained by a poorly termed response .It is very easy to be aggresive from keyboard ...I think you and Dobbler should look back at your posts and ponder your real objectives ...Sly safe intimidation perhaps ??
maryhorts wrote:Crickey Maryhorts all that work you have to do - at least this time you haven't said it's not your job, not like the pot for your elderly patients' false teeth.
hoboh2o wrote:Front line staff shout quietly but their comments are not addressed ..We are asked to file critical incident reports on dangerous staff levels and vulnerable patients and the care (or lack of )they receive......I have never known anyone receive a reply to these reports or seen an increase in staffing .It appears a paper tick box exercise to cover all angles .Sort of "Ok your concerns are duly noted but get back and deal with it "...Not ideal for anyone involved ...
Boltonlady wrote:No offence but if it is purely a management problem giving the impression staff do not care then why are they or their union not screaming blue murder?
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds. I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!! It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job. I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
I am sure if they did they would get full public support so it does appear there is some failiure of care involved here.
Forks89
says...
1:02am Tue 19 Mar 13
Oh n by the way it's impossible for him to have a child's name band if you knew the computer system you would know this! Ridiculous
Forks89
says...
1:04am Tue 19 Mar 13
Go somewhere else leave perfectly good bed space for people who actually want help.
You want to read other local newspapers to see every hospital struggles. We should join together to make ours stronger than ever instead of slating it at every chance you get!
Forks89
says...
1:04am Tue 19 Mar 13
Go somewhere else leave perfectly good bed space for people who actually want help.
You want to read other local newspapers to see every hospital struggles. We should join together to make ours stronger than ever instead of slating it at every chance you get!
boltonchap
says...
8:37am Tue 19 Mar 13
" CQC inspectors visited 50 hospitals in 2012. It said "disappointingly fewer" hospitals were respecting people's privacy and dignity – 82% last year, compared with 88% of the 100 hospitals inspected in 2011. Nearly one in five was not treating elderly patients as well as it should.
An inspection team wrote of one member of staff at a hospital who "stood directly behind a patient and leant over them to cut up their food. They also called across to a colleague who was supporting a patient with eating: 'I think you've got a lost cause there,' referring to the fact that the patient was falling asleep during the meal."
Treating patients with dignity and respect - doesn't cost money just needs nursing staff who have empathy and compassion. If you don't have these essential qualites go flip burgers - your nursing degree means absolutely nothing.
boltonchap
says...
10:44am Tue 19 Mar 13
maryhorts wrote:Mary
boltonchap wrote:Did think about it but was waiting for the response ...The 'Denturegate' episode actually had to do with a relative who had a go at me because RBH does not supply tooth pots rather than me objecting to place them in a pot 'I may have phrased this badly but the response generated was quite threatening and I hope that you never have to experience the vehemence sustained by a poorly termed response .It is very easy to be aggresive from keyboard ...I think you and Dobbler should look back at your posts and ponder your real objectives ...Sly safe intimidation perhaps ??
maryhorts wrote:Crickey Maryhorts all that work you have to do - at least this time you haven't said it's not your job, not like the pot for your elderly patients' false teeth.
hoboh2o wrote:Front line staff shout quietly but their comments are not addressed ..We are asked to file critical incident reports on dangerous staff levels and vulnerable patients and the care (or lack of )they receive......I have never known anyone receive a reply to these reports or seen an increase in staffing .It appears a paper tick box exercise to cover all angles .Sort of "Ok your concerns are duly noted but get back and deal with it "...Not ideal for anyone involved ...
Boltonlady wrote:No offence but if it is purely a management problem giving the impression staff do not care then why are they or their union not screaming blue murder?
This hospital has bad management they are continuously trying to meet targets- wich are set by the government and if they don't the already strapped for cash hospital is fined. This includes discharging patients as quick as possible to free up more beds. I am a staff member and have been for ten years, the other day I worked a shift and 1 qualified nurse was on duty- this was 1 nurse to look after 23 patients!!! It is hurtful to read these comments as I know staff bend over backwards ,shed blood sweat and tears in this job. I'm not defending the hospital this is a appalling story and I send my best wishes to mr Atkinson and family
I am sure if they did they would get full public support so it does appear there is some failiure of care involved here.
My real objectives? To get rid of staff with the wrong attitude from the NHS. Plus getting rid of incompetents too - until these 2 groups are removed it matters not one jot how much money is poured in, it'll deliver no improvements.
Forks89
says...
2:14pm Tue 19 Mar 13
hoboh2o
says...
2:48pm Tue 19 Mar 13
Lets face it the management is appalling at this hospital, they lose large sums of money and patients yet the staff remain in the most silent! Little wonder Joe public trusts none of them.
boltonchap
says...
3:00pm Tue 19 Mar 13
Forks89 wrote:those left would be the type I'd like to look after my family when they are in hospital and not a bunch of moaning Unison members.
The jobs not bad! You deal with it because fortunately that's the sort of people we are. Luckily everyone doesn't have the same attitude as yourself as to just leave if its bad. If everyone did that what would be left?
mixedspice5
says...
9:09pm Tue 19 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Boltonchap there are always two sides to every story and we don't know the full facts. However I would be interested to know that if the accusations levelled against the hospital are proved to be wrong, will you encourage the Trust to take legal action against the family?
Davedav wrote:Davedav - I don't know the facts here but it seems you don't either. Your accusations against Mike and his family are, if wrong, libellous: if I were them I'd be briefing my lawyer first thing his morning to track you down via the BEN ( they have your details ) and sue you. Just a thought I wanted to share with you!
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
boltonchap
says...
9:23am Wed 20 Mar 13
mixedspice5 wrote:Yes.
boltonchap wrote:Boltonchap there are always two sides to every story and we don't know the full facts. However I would be interested to know that if the accusations levelled against the hospital are proved to be wrong, will you encourage the Trust to take legal action against the family?
Davedav wrote:Davedav - I don't know the facts here but it seems you don't either. Your accusations against Mike and his family are, if wrong, libellous: if I were them I'd be briefing my lawyer first thing his morning to track you down via the BEN ( they have your details ) and sue you. Just a thought I wanted to share with you!
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
However if as you say, " we don't know the full facts " how on earth can you make the statements you have? how an you claim he was drunk and disorderly? what about all that guff about being on the ward with him ¬ you still haven' answered that one? Were you or were you not in his presence on the night/morning that Mike was found wandering the streets by the police? I've given you a straight answer above, let us have one from you.
mixedspice5
says...
3:32pm Wed 20 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Bolton chap I think you've mistaken me for Davedav.
mixedspice5 wrote:Yes.
boltonchap wrote:Boltonchap there are always two sides to every story and we don't know the full facts. However I would be interested to know that if the accusations levelled against the hospital are proved to be wrong, will you encourage the Trust to take legal action against the family?
Davedav wrote:Davedav - I don't know the facts here but it seems you don't either. Your accusations against Mike and his family are, if wrong, libellous: if I were them I'd be briefing my lawyer first thing his morning to track you down via the BEN ( they have your details ) and sue you. Just a thought I wanted to share with you!
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
However if as you say, " we don't know the full facts " how on earth can you make the statements you have? how an you claim he was drunk and disorderly? what about all that guff about being on the ward with him ¬ you still haven' answered that one? Were you or were you not in his presence on the night/morning that Mike was found wandering the streets by the police? I've given you a straight answer above, let us have one from you.
Ktulu1
says...
5:41pm Wed 20 Mar 13
local villager wrote:As sister made reference to in this post!!! Firstly, I asked this wasn't reported on until the safeguarding investigation had been completed. Whilst I appreciate there is a wider public concern, my priority (other than dad getting appropriate healthcare) was that the incident could be investigated without interference and evidence to be preserved. That way bolton news could have reported on an outcome of the investigation, and advise members of the public on what course of action they should take if they were unfortunate to be in a similar position
This is my dad, I know the true facts and so do the hospital. Thankfully my sister is a social worker manager of the safeguarding team and has managed to open a full investigation on this and we are hoping for a conclusion very soon.
thankfully the police were there at the right time for my Dad otherwise I dread to think what would of happened as we (his daughters) were unaware that the ambulance had picked him up at such a silly time and didn't know he had been left in such a vulnerable state as did Helen my step mum. Thankfully due to my sister getting a doctor to see him the following day he was re admitted to hospital and has been treated for what he originally went in for. we just need to wait for the results and to see how well the new pain relief works.
For reference, I manage a learning disability social work team but have a history in adult safeguarding social work
I'm pleased to say after initiating an investigation, my father was seen by all the right people, was safely readmitted into hospital (which yes, he thoroughly enjoyed to the person who shared his ward) and thankfully is making good progress
Ktulu1
says...
5:54pm Wed 20 Mar 13
Davedav wrote:For clarity, he was readmitted safely and treated as referenced in my previous post.
Without any clarification what do you want. I was in hospital with the michael for days. He forgets to metion in the BEN that we was treated and made better. Also forgets to mention that the police took him home because they thought he was drunken disordily.
The man has jumped on the bad press band wagon and is after a pay out thats all.
Come on asif you people actually believe that he had a wrist band on. For 1 he wouldnt of got a wristband when going for SCAN and wouldnt of been admitted to hospital to even be discharged when going for a scan. So how is it the hospitals fault that he wandered about? They didnt force him to.
The police did initially think he was drunk and disorderly but what else would they initially assume? He was staggering and slurring his speech due to his poor mobility, effects of morphine and a suspected stroke. Thankfully they realised upon their enquiries this was the case and took him to a safe place which met their duty of care. I for one will be eternally grateful for this act
As for claiming compo, I doubt this would happen as thankfully he did not come to any significant from his horrific experience. As for the child's wristband which he still has ownership of, perhaps he could pass it on to her family so they can take the hospital to task for inappropriately sharing her details.
hellenauk@googlemail.com
says...
7:38am Thu 21 Mar 13
Davedav wrote:Dave dav you know nothing of the story that lead Mike to be on G3 so I would be very careful what you say, he has nothing but admiration for the staff on G3 he was referring to something totally different and concerning A & E so please keep your ridiculous comments to yourself until you know what you are talking about
This story is aload of rubbish and so far fetched its unbelieveable.
If the bolton even news wants to write stories about the hospital then they should write decent ones and be proud of the hospital.
I was in hospital with michael and to think he was sat letting the staff of G3 run around after him and take care of him whilst planning a stunt like this is a joke. He should be ashamed of himself.
The staff on G3 bent over backwards for this man and made him a 100% better before being discharged so how he can sit there and slate the hospital an the staff is beyond me.
Yeh you maybe had a bad experience but this story aint the whole truth at all. So i think michael owes the hospital and its staff an appoligy because i know this story will of offended alot of people.
As for the wrong band come on you are having a laugh. And am sure when the band will of been put on michael will of checked so why didnt he mention it to the staff?
Yeh the story is a joke.
If the bolton evening news wants to hear a good proper story about the hospital then contact me and the 10,000s of other people it has treated. I have been to all the main hospitals in manchester and this hospital is by far the best.
The staff are a pleasure to be around and actually care for the patients we aint just another number like in the rest of the big hospitals.
PRINT A DECENT TRUE STORY FOR ONCE.
mixedspice5
says...
9:13pm Thu 21 Mar 13
boltonchap wrote:Hello Boltonchap - cat got your tongue? Anyone there?
Hello davedav - cat got your tongue? Anybody there?
boltonchap says...
9:19am Fri 15 Mar 13
" lessons will be learnt ", no one will be held to account, this comments column will receive input from apologists for disgustingly low standards of care and nothing will change.