Doing stretches at the end of an exercise class. I dislocated my hip replacement.
I was in great pain, which was immediately relieved on receiving "The Green Whistle" from the ambulance staff.
Arrived at Denmark Hospital. Obs taken. There appeared to be no structure or cohesive communication between the 'nurses'. Asked who the Dr on call was - was told there was no doctor that day. Pain relief no longer working. Given 2 paracetamol.
It seemed to be a nurse who tried to contact a ‘conferencing Dr’ for advice and authority. (This was a slow procedure because the Dr was busy and had to call back after the co-ordinator had been consulted).
The nurse tried to find a vein, thought they had and inserted 20ml Fentanyl. No relief. This procedure happened twice more unsuccessfully and another nurse attempted to put a cannula in - this 'blew out'. They gave up and passed the job to a 3rd one, who put a fine needle into the other arm. Tried to give more Fentanyl and after no relief contacted the Dr - and I called out "what about Morphine?" I believe the Dr heard me and said go ahead. This too did not work! After 2 hours the ambulance was finally called for the trip to another hospital. My Partner requested ‘the green whistle’ this gave relief and I was then transferred by ambulance to the other hospital.
(During this apparent charade, I recall a student nurse was given the opportunity to learn how to inject an anti-inflammatory into my shoulder!)
In summary: 3 vein cannula failures. No pain relief received for the entire time in my opinion. There seemed to be no leadership. At least 5 conference calls were made, in my opinion, a lot of time was wasted.
I believe the decision to transport to another hospital should not have taken in excess of 2 hours.
During the entire time I was under great pain.
On arrival in the other hospital there were people waiting for my arrival and I found from then on everything was extremely professional and done in a timely manner.
I was badly affected by this traumatic and painful experience. I have had to visit my GP for help in coping.
Thank you.
Staff skills
Treatment
Pain relief
Team work
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