|
Formal Complaint Regarding Inadequate Care and Patient Neglect
I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the level of care I received during my recent hospitalization. Upon admission, I was diagnosed with several serious abdominal conditions, including pancreatitis, colitis, and fluid accumulation in the upper flank. These issues were confirmed via both CT and MRI imaging. I have a long-standing medical history with these conditions and have required hospitalization and IV pain management on multiple occasions. I am familiar with the typical care and treatment required to manage these issues effectively. Sadly, that standard of care was not met during this visit. From the very first day of my admission, I encountered repeated delays in receiving assistance after pressing the call button - often waiting over an hour. On one occasion, I waited two hours and ten minutes before anyone responded, despite multiple attempts. Several PSAs (Patient Support Associates) and other staff members witnessed these delays, and one staff member even expressed frustration, stating, “If no one comes, I’m going to come out on the floor myself.” Other patients also observed the neglect and were aware of the pain I was experiencing. PSAs would ask me why it was taking so long for staff to respond, to which I explained that this lack of attention had been ongoing since the day I was admitted. On Friday, my pain levels spiked again. The attending physician who knows my medical history and has treated me before acknowledged the situation and informed me that she would make necessary adjustments to my pain medication. She also assured me that no other provider would change the plan. However, the following day (Saturday), a new physician - unfamiliar with my history - reversed those changes and drastically reduced my pain medication dosage. This decision led to a significant and immediate deterioration in my condition. My pain became intolerable, resulting in uncontrollable shaking and vomiting. I was unable to sleep for four consecutive days due to the severity of the discomfort. When I requested to speak with the new physician regarding this issue, I was informed by the nurse that he had already left the hospital. This lack of communication and continuity of care is unacceptable. It is evident to anyone with a basic understanding of pain management and my medical history that I required more aggressive pain control. All the nurses were aware of my suffering, yet no meaningful action was taken to address it. I ultimately requested a transfer to a different facility better equipped to manage my pain. This request was denied. I was told I could either remain and continue enduring the inadequate treatment or discharge myself without the hospital’s recommendation - despite being in no condition to leave. While I want to acknowledge that a few nurses did treat me with compassion and professionalism, unfortunately, the overall experience was overwhelmingly negative. The inadequate response to my condition, inconsistent treatment, poor communication, and lack of empathy from key staff members were all deeply concerning. Given the severity of this experience, I am considering seeking legal counsel to explore my rights as a patient. What happened during this hospitalization was not only unacceptable - it was inhumane.
|
