Results from the meeting

duchess15

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For those of you who wanted to know, the meeting with the doctors went better than I had anticipated. There were some points brought up that could have been possible and others that weren't. There are still some "what if" questions I feel that can never be answered because it wasn't done and I don't feel that they know. I don't think doctors know everything and sometimes they are wrong. So now I'm even more confused about how I feel and all I know is that she suffered and they did fail no matter how you look at it because she did die.

I did not relent, cry, or get angry. I stayed neutral and smiled. Basically, they really don't know how I feel. I asked for a copy of my mom's records. She said they could be costly - but said she would see if she could get them at no charge. I think that is the least they can do with all that's happened!!
I think it is only fair since they wouldn't let me record or get an official copy of their report.

I'm just glad that they did follow through with it and that I felt like I did stand up for her. I am not going to do anything else at this time because I really need those records and I don't want someone to start changing things in them and may need them if I want to pursue something more in the future.

All in all, I'm glad that the nursing issues were addressed and that they will be making some changes. It still doesn't change the fact that she died, that they couldn't figure out what made her deteriorate so fast, and that I miss her more than ever.
 

swampwitch

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I'm glad the meeting went better than you were expecting... You've done all you could possibly do. I'm sorry this is so difficult, sometimes life hands us a raw deal. But I know you will survive, you are a very strong person.
 

ldg

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I know this was really hard - it would be for anyone. Sounds like you did really well, especially given such an emotional issue so close to your heart.
I'm really proud of you!



Laurie
 

sarahp

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Way to go Sabrina! Sounds as though it couldn't have gone much better, and it's great they've taken a serious interest. Good luck with the outcomes!
 
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duchess15

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Just waiting to see if I can get her records free of charge. It is huge and could be very costly. Keep your fingers crossed!
 

gailc

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Glad that the meeting went well. I hope you can get the records at minimal cost.
Stay strong.
 

tierre0

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Glad to hear your meeting went well. Hopefully you will be able to obtain her records and they will help to answer some of the questions you still have.
Lots of support and good luck vibes coming your way...
 
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duchess15

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I just received an email from Patient Relations saying that she may have misspoken about the free of charge. Now, why doesn't that surprise me??

I am tired of all the bs and I really am beginning to despise everything about this hospital. Always about them and never about the patient.

My opinions have not changed on how I feel. So I don't even think they will do anything about it and think it was all a facade. I now have to find out how much it will cost me to obtain her records.

I never had any faith in this hospital, but I no longer trust them either. I'm tempted to cancel on my appointments. Why bother going? I'm just wasting my money!

I'm more angry than before and will tell everyone I know not to go there because of how they treat their patients. I really hate healthcare.
 

carolpetunia

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Although I don't know the details of your mother's treatment, I assume you're correct that serious mistakes were made. Based on that assumption, I believe the hospital administration is playing you: carefully avoiding anything that might seem to be an admission of guilt, but trying to keep you happy enough that you don't hire a lawyer. (Not that hiring a lawyer or filing malpractice is necessarily the answer.)

I imagine their own lawyers have informed them that any break with standard policy -- like giving you the records free of charge -- could be construed in court as an admission that they "owe" you something, which could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
 

addiebee

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Boy, I would start playing hard ball, but nicely. Say the word "Lawyer" with a smile in your voice and maybe you can get those records... they can make an exception to their fees.

This isn't healthcare related, but it took me six months to resolve an issue with windows I had installed by Pella. The windows were fine, but the contractor they hired to do the stain work did a stinky, horrible job. and It wasn't until I called the home office in Iowa and used words like "breach of contract" and "taking next steps" that the problem was even remotely resolved to my satisfaction.

I can't even imagine what you're going through. The health care system in this country is B-R-O-K-E-N! Big time! I won't get into here.

I wish you well and that you find the strength and peace of mind that you seek.
 

addiebee

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Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

Although I don't know the details of your mother's treatment, I assume you're correct that serious mistakes were made. Based on that assumption, I believe the hospital administration is playing you: carefully avoiding anything that might seem to be an admission of guilt, but trying to keep you happy enough that you don't hire a lawyer. (Not that hiring a lawyer or filing malpractice is necessarily the answer.)

I imagine their own lawyers have informed them that any break with standard policy -- like giving you the records free of charge -- could be construed in court as an admission that they "owe" you something, which could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.


Ah, Carol. Again, well said. They are playing CYA. That is why I said what I said in the above post. The hospital is better funded than any individual for a potential protracted legal fight and would likely come out of this intact and without any changes in policy and procedure. Sad, but true. Broken, broken, broken. Health Care is a bottom-line driven BIG BUSINESS!! Having done business with hospitals before as a vendor, it's about nickels and dimes, and P&L, not about patient care.
 
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duchess15

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Originally Posted by CarolPetunia

Although I don't know the details of your mother's treatment, I assume you're correct that serious mistakes were made. Based on that assumption, I believe the hospital administration is playing you: carefully avoiding anything that might seem to be an admission of guilt, but trying to keep you happy enough that you don't hire a lawyer. (Not that hiring a lawyer or filing malpractice is necessarily the answer.)

I imagine their own lawyers have informed them that any break with standard policy -- like giving you the records free of charge -- could be construed in court as an admission that they "owe" you something, which could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
I agree. I'm checking to see what the next steps are. I will not be doing anything "extra" to help this hospital ever again. If my boss says one more thing about my attitude, I will QUIT!
 

pat

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Originally Posted by LDG

I know this was really hard - it would be for anyone. Sounds like you did really well, especially given such an emotional issue so close to your heart.
I'm really proud of you!



Laurie
Can't say it better than the above, it is how I feel too...adding more hugs.
 
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duchess15

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Originally Posted by SwampWitch

Personally, I'd now be calling some lawyers and setting up a few meetings to find one I like...
I found out what the next step is. I would have to hire a professional examiner to go through her records to see if there is even enough evidence to file a claim. Their rates start at $250 and up PER HOUR!

I know I can't afford that and I know I can't even charge it on my card. I may call around here to see what their prices range, but in retrospect, my chances against a huge hospital is almost zilch.

I am going to sit back for now. I have two years from the date she passed to decide if I want to do anything. I just can't afford the rates and the most important thing I can do is obtain the parts of her record I deem necessary.

I really, really, really hate this hospital and I hate that I work here.
 

mbjerkness

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Originally Posted by Duchess15

I found out what the next step is. I would have to hire a professional examiner to go through her records to see if there is even enough evidence to file a claim. Their rates start at $250 and up PER HOUR!

I know I can't afford that and I know I can't even charge it on my card. I may call around here to see what their prices range, but in retrospect, my changes against a huge hospital is almost zilch.

I am going to sit back for now. I have two years from the date she passed to decide if I want to do anything. I just can't afford the rates and the most important thing I can do is obtain the parts of her record I deem necessary.

I really, really, really hate this hospital and I hate that I work here.
That seems very unfair. I think you are entitled to the records, I don't see why you can't go over them, then decide If you want to hire a professional. My heart goes out to you.
 

swampwitch

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I sure hope the records don't get "lost" in the meantime...


Just a thought... I've posted this before...
When I was a poor working student and needed $400 for my kitty Moon-Pie's surgery, I organized a little get-together and invited all my friends and co-workers. I photocopied invitations with a picture of Moon-Pie on the front, and the invitation explained that the event was a benefit to raise money for Moon-Pie's surgery. I made appetizers - it didn't cost much at all - and my friends came, they brought wine and beer, and everybody contributed to the good cause. (Afterwards, I sent a thank-you booklet to each contributor that contained the recipes of the appetizers I had cooked.)

I had another friend collect the donations so all would be on the up-and-up. Everybody enjoyed getting together and it was worth it to them to have a nice time and help out for a good cause.

I'll bet you have friends and know people who loved your mom. Perhaps you could organize a get-together like this to raise the $250+? People like to help out when it's a good cause, and most people can afford $10 or $20...

I hope this helps. My heart goes out to you, too.
 
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