Mrs Wood and her family have had to rely on the local NHS a great deal over the last two years. In February 2005, Mrs Wood contacted me regarding the care that her mother in law had received at the William Harvey Hospital. She was not fed properly, left so heavily sedated that she seemed unaware of visits, given medication she could not swallow, infected with MRSA, and broke her arm.
Against their wishes, Mrs Wood’s mother in law was moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital and on 11th February 2005, she sadly passed away at the age of 95.
Later that year, Mrs Wood’s husband Colin fell ill. In May he saw a consultant surgeon at the William Harvey Hospital, and was told he would need further examination. The hospital failed to book him an appointment, and eventually arranged one for September; this was subsequently cancelled, and Mr Wood had to pay to be seen at St Saviours.
Mr Wood had cancer of the colon, and required urgent surgery. This was performed at the William Harvey Hospital on the 14th October.
Mr Wood’s condition deteriorated. No cause could be found. His family were not informed of the seriousness of his condition and on the 16th October, he too died.
When Mr Wood was admitted, he expected to be discharged in four days. Yet two days after an operation, described by the surgeon as “fantastic” and “text-book”, he was dead.
To add insult to injury, the Trust now say they have lost their records relating to Mr Wood.
Of course many patients are well treated at the William Harvey Hospital. So they should be. But too many are not.
I shall continue to turn the spotlight on its failings. That is all I can do to draw attention to the need to improve the service it offers to my constituents so that in future no-one should suffer as Susan Wood and her family have.
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