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No Post-Op Follow-Up At Home; Local Cottage-Hospital Recently Closed

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gl556tr | 15:31 Wed 04th Oct 2017 | Health & Fitness
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Less than two weeks ago, a relative had a major operation in Torbay hospital. He was home within two days.
--> Only a few months ago, his local cottage-hospital in Dartmouth was closed - that, in spite of it playing an important function for the local community. This would usually have been an ideal intermediate post-op treatment unit.

I have heard from his wife that he has not been visited by his GP, nor even has there been a phone-call. She had given the GP a note from the hospital. The patient has been in considerable pain - so, after initial hefty stuff(?), the GP prescribed paracetamol.

Surely, there must be some well-oiled follow-up medical support for such a situation - more so, with the local cottage-hospital now closed? A GP initially, followed by nursing support would seem obvious.

(My elderly mother last year suffered a sub-dural clot, refused an op, but was kept in hospital with blood-thinning medication. On being discharged, her GP + nurse called, as did a physiotherapist to help improve/remove her stroke-like after-effects.)

Has anybody experienced similar stories?
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I haven't but it seems like this Gentleman may have slipped through some bureaucratic crack - his wife needs to contact the surgery and impress on them that he is not recovering well post op.

Cottage Hospitals and Convalescent homes were a huge help in this at one time I agree.
ps


I am not qualified in any way, outfit is purely fancy dress.
I cannot envisage a patient having a major operation and being discharged after 2 days......but if you say so.
What operation did he have?
A G.P service is perfectly satisfactory with or without a district nurse.
If the GP has prescribed paracetamol for pain, then one must assume that he has seen him and assess the situation.
You are correct in that a report should follow, but this may take up up a week. If pain is still a problem then a GP call would be necessary or if it is that bad take him back to A&E in Torbay.

Cottage hospitals are an expensive luxury which serve very little purpose in this day and age.
what exactly could a cottage hospital do for your friend?
i also think times have somewhat changed. If your friend has pain, they would be expected to call the GP themselves (and why not, it doesnt seem unreasonable really?)
ps if the gp prescribed paracetamol. they they have been followed up at home
and lastly here you would not get paracetamol prescribed - you would be expeted to buy it, after all it's only about 25p
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** Additional info **
My mother lives in central UK. Perhaps NHS organisation and support is easier to come by.
In Devon, travelling from A to B often entails circuitous routes which are always time-consuming. Even in Winter. As the crow flies, the distance from their home to Torbay Hospital is Inhabitants at Barnstaple in north Devon also had their C-H closed. Now, they have to drive across the county (lovely scenery) to Exeter hospital. Similar to the Dartmouth & TH situation.


S: I agree! A cancerous kidney was removed - and home two days later seems rather steep.
His Missus gave me the impression of a tall-story yarn...

But, I do get the impression of NHS resources being stretched. Poor staff: usually ++, their pay ----!

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