Hospital Patient Transport refusal

Jurph

I'm not sure where to post this but I think I've been discriminated against.

I have Fibromyalgia and severe anxiety. I very rarely leave the house. I get PIP Standard Daily Living, Enhanced Mobility and UC LCWRA. I live with my Mum who is my carer. I cannot "undertake an unfamiliar journey" or mobilise more than 50m.

A couple of evenings ago, my Mum called an ambulance because she thought I was having a minor stroke. My local hospital doesn't deal with strokes so I went to a hospital further away. Mum stayed at home because I would be in the capable hands on the NHS. (She doesn't drive).

The problem started once I was ready to go home around 3.30am. I asked the nurse to arrange Patient Transport. She initially said it was booked but returned half an hour later to say it had been cancelled because I wasn't eligible. I contacted Patient Transport myself to ask why I wasnt eligible even though I'd used them before (when I was unable to drive myself due to an eye procedure). They said it's "because I can drive". Even if I could magically move my car 13 miles, I would not drive it with stroke like symptoms.

While I was worrying about what to do. The nurse said my only options were the bus or a taxi. I said I can't use either but she insisted I needed to leave at 6 when the busses started running. Because I was taken by ambulance, I left my mobility aids at home. When I said a £50 taxi is a weekly food shop for me as I don't work, she said she wished she could stay at home but she has bills to pay.

My distress was evident - I struggled to speak through sobbing. I am now more scared of being stranded alone than I am of the possibility of having a stroke. I had to get a £50 taxi and suffered immensely with the journey home. I had to get him to stop so I could vomit.

To top it all off, the medication given for my possible mini-stroke is only available from the hospital pharmacy which wasn't open (9-5 only). Somehow I have to get back there to get my medication.

I feel so angry and let down. I've emailed PALS but what else can I do?

Jurph

woodbine said:

I cant see how a taxi for a 13 mile journey would cost £50 round here it would be less than half of that, I'm also not convinced that any meds would be only available from the hospital pharmacy, did they do a scan to see if you had a TIA? I have had a number of them and the last meds they put me on has worked really well and I haven't had a TIA since I started on them. Just one other point you enhanced mobility payments would surely help you pay for taxis in such situations?
Sorry if it seems like I'm having a go that's not my intention and I wish you well.

I'm not sure why you took the time to reply if you don't believe my post.

Jurph

woodbine said:

Jurph said:

woodbine said:

I cant see how a taxi for a 13 mile journey would cost £50 round here it would be less than half of that, I'm also not convinced that any meds would be only available from the hospital pharmacy, did they do a scan to see if you had a TIA? I have had a number of them and the last meds they put me on has worked really well and I haven't had a TIA since I started on them. Just one other point you enhanced mobility payments would surely help you pay for taxis in such situations?
Sorry if it seems like I'm having a go that's not my intention and I wish you well.

I'm not sure why you took the time to reply if you don't believe my post.

I never said I didn't believe you, but I'll leave it at that and as before wish you well

You certainly implied it.

1. The journey was £53.80. Might be because of the time? I wouldn't know - I don't use taxis due to my anxiety. 
2. The 'prescription I've been been given says "this prescription can only be dispensed by the hospital pharmacy"
3. I had a CT which was clear. I'll be contacted in the next few days by the stroke team and an appointment for an MRI.
4. My mobility payments fund my car.

Albus_Scope

Hi @Jurph I've deleted the photo as it contained information relating to your doctors etc.  You have nothing to prove to us, don't worry. 
  I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience.  I can only suggest contacting the NHS to lodge an official complaint regarding your treatment?

You can complain or give feedback: By post to: NHS England, PO Box 16738, Redditch, B97 9PT. By email to: england.contactus@nhs.net, stating 'For the attention of the complaints team' in the subject line. By telephone: 0300 311 22 33.

Albus_Scope

woodbine said:

I cant see how a taxi for a 13 mile journey would cost £50 round here it would be less than half of that, 

Some taxi firms (like Uber) increase their prices around busy times.  I've had taxis that should usually cost £10 set me back £30 due to 'surge prices' 

Jurph

The firm I used is registered with the council and has set fare rates.

It was before 6am and I had to stop for 10 minutes.

tink13

Don’t worry, I believe you. Similar has happened to me in the past 😬

hawkbanana81

I believe you as I’ve had horrific experiences with A&E, been treated badly there and told I have to sort my own transport home as I don’t qualify for transport. I can’t afford a taxi which is over £30 and often don’t have that money. I’ve even been told I’ll have to get a bus even when I’m in pyjamas. I can’t get public transport on my own anyway due to my autism. I’ve had to ask a so called friend who ended up charging me more than a taxi to take me home. It’s awful the way they discharge you in the early hours and expect you to get home when it’s not even safe to do so. Made to sit in waiting room to sort it out when I’m too unwell to sit and need to lay down.

rebel11

I think it's ridiculous considering the hospitals rake in 'millions' in car park charges.

There are Rules which simply don't make sense, which are plain 'nonsense'. 

Conditions that don't qualify for this, conditions that don't qualify for that, rules made by people who have never had the condition or know the 'day to day' impact the condition has.

2oldcodgers

rebel11 said:

I think it's ridiculous considering the hospitals rake in 'millions' in car park charges.

There are Rules which simply don't make sense, which are plain 'nonsense'. 

Conditions that don't qualify for this, conditions that don't qualify for that, rules made by people who have never had the condition or know the 'day to day' impact the condition has.

My wife was transferred to Kings in London and was discharged early in the morning. Now to get to the hospital by train from where we live would take 2hrs. There was no way that I was capable of driving to the city, never mind finding the hospital.
So she asked about hospital transport - they took her to London via an ambulance so they can bring her back.
The long and short of it is that I did have to drive up there and collect her. Because she was transferred from our local hospital all she had was slippers, nighty and dressing gown and that is how she was dressed at the reception whilst waiting for me and expected to come home dressed like on public transport! 
 

Jurph

I got an apology!

It's taken forever to get to the right people but I finally have it in writing.

Patient Transport are refunding my taxi costs and have sent an apology for not carrying out a proper assessment. The A&E manager also called me and apologised on behalf of her staff who "was just making conversation" and "didn't realise she caused offence".

More good news - I didn't have a mini stroke, I had a Hemiplegic Migraine and my GP has taken over my care. 

Anyway, I'm pleased with the result and glad it's over.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Jurph, really glad you were able to get an apology for what happened!

I get hemiplegic migraines too, they can be so scary at first when you don't know what's happening. Hope you're managing okay now

Sunny_D

I am so sorry that you were treated so poorly.  There are members of staff in hospitals all over the country defrauding the NHS of hundreds of thousands of pounds.  To deny a patient that they transported so far away from home and then don't give a damn how you get home is outrageous.  The hospital could at least make sure you are comfortable in a waiting area until transport can be arranged at the appropriate time of day.  I'm glad you eventually resolved the situation.  Good luck for the future.