Patient in 16-hour trolley wait

Posted: February 24, 2015

Posted in: Medical Negligence NHS Claims 

A patient was left for 16-hours on a trolley with severe breathing problems after the hospital she was being treated in was put on “black alert”. The woman was admitted to the Royal Cornwall Hospital last Monday, but was told that there were no available beds or pillows for her due to increased pressure on the hospital. The “black alert”, which is the highest level for NHS issues, was placed on the hospital on Tuesday and remains in place.

Debilitating breathing problems

The woman, who requested to remain anonymous, is in her mid-sixties and was discharged on Friday. Her daughter commented on the shocking care provided by the hospital, saying that her mother remained on a trolley from 20:00 on Monday until 12:00 on Tuesday, during which time she was transferred between the A&E department and the Medical Admissions Unit. She was also required to sit in a chair for half an hour while a trolley was found, despite suffering with debilitating breathing problems.

The “black alert” was placed on the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust – which oversees West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance, Michael’s in Hayle, and the Royal Cornwall at Treliske – and has affected the entire health and social care system in Cornwall.

So far, 280 beds have been blocked by patients fit to leave but without care package. The alert will remain until this issue has been resolved.  

If you have been subject to poor medical care, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.

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