Hospital complaints committee

[Livewire]

Hi, Can anyone tell me what happens at  a meeting with the compalaints committee of a hospital / clinic.  I made a complaint after a very traumatic experience in a private clinic.  After much research I discovered that had they not only broken 2 of their own patient charter rules they had in fact broken 4 of the EU rules regarding patients rights.  I have to face the Dr concerned and this is causing me considerable distress.  I do appreciate that this has to be done in order to resolve things.

It has taken me nearly 7 months to get back to feeling anywhere near normal and now after being informed of the meeting I find that I can't sleep again because of the nightmares.

I do hope someone can shed some light on this and put my mind at rest.

I would just like to add that up until this time I could find no fault with the French health service.

 

[cooperlola]

I can't help with the specifics, but whether or not you are in fact a competent French speaker, take a translator with you.  They can give you moral support, and as a translator they cannot be ejected from your meeting.

Bon courage.[:)]

[Livewire]

Thanks for the reply. I am taking an English person with me but was a French teacher in England.  She was also witness (although only coming to translate) to the type of anaesthetic that the Dr agreed to use after I refused the epidural.  Operation was carried out after I was heavily sedated and then given just enough general to keep me asleep long enough for them to do the epidural.  Most peoples worst nightmare to wake up during an operation.  Was frozen in fear till sedation took over again. 

[Livewire]

Meeting took place in June and went well.  Got an apology from Director and 3 others also the Dr for all that had got wrong.  Dr did try to deny some of the things he said at the initial meeting about my operation and was soon backed down when my friend said it was her who was also at this meeting and she could verify all that I was saying. Dr admitted he made a mistake so have asked for a copy of the minutes of the meeting but still waiting.  They have agreed to look at changing the way things are done and that all leaflets and information will also be translated into English.  So hopefully a big shake up and no other woman will have to suffer as I have.  I am still having nightmares about it and have to carry a cushion with me to sit on, as the pain can be unbearable in my spine.  Also still having panic attacks when faced with anything to do with the medical profession.  This operation was supposed to enhance my quality of life but I still can’t do what I used to and it is now over 11 months since the operation. I think I was very unlucky to have a Dr whose attitude was simply more of she’s English so I can do as I please.

The members at the meeting  made me feel at ease and were in no way intimidating.

 

[suein56]

[quote user="Livewire"]

Meeting took place in June and went well.  Got an apology from Director and 3 others also the Dr for all that had got wrong. 

The members at the meeting  made me feel at ease and were in no way intimidating.

[/quote]

Congratulations on achieving a successful resolution to such a traumatic event. Hoping that you will continue to improve in health now that the worst is over.

Sue

[Livewire]

Unfortunately the worst was not over as now my marriage has fallen apart.  This has toataly ruined   my life.  I don't feel 99% of the time that life is worth living all thanks to the so and so's over here.  I now just want to go home and forget this nightmare in my life.l  I have been trying since June to get copies of my medical records and now have had to ask my GP for help with this but still no joy.  I am mostly suicidal and the only thing that keeps me sane is my children in England, without their love and support I would not be here.  England might be hard to live in but it is far safer than this hell of a life we find here.

[Lilly]

I hate to see cries for help as it is so often a last resort to post on an open forum just to be able to have some communication. From reading between the lines you have had a very traumatic time that will of course have repercussions in your personal life as it is also hard for partners to be either sympathic or patient for very extended periods of time, please seak counselling now don't leave it any longer and try to involve your partner as they may well need guidance too, if they won't go go your self get some mental strength back, and start to regain the control over your life, don't STAY a victim, this is all easy to say I know but start with making a phone call. If necessary go back to the UK for some specific councelling, I only suggest this as it is necessary to have an indepth conversation with a trained counsellor that specialises in this kind of trauma and in your own tongue, there may well be some one here that can help if so great but start now.

I hope you feel better with your self soon, you can change this spirral of unhappiness.

 

[giantpanda]

Hi!

see here:

You write 1st to the director of the hospital.

http://www.infodoc-experts.com/pdf/detachement_salaries.pdf

Yours,

giantpanda

PS. For serious matters where you seek compensation , it is best to consult a specialised lawyer. Be aware that this is a very long and difficult procedure.

[Meg]

[quote user="Lilly"]

I hate to see cries for help as it is so often a last resort to post on an open forum just to be able to have some communication. From reading between the lines you have had a very traumatic time that will of course have repercussions in your personal life as it is also hard for partners to be either sympathic or patient for very extended periods of time, please seak counselling now don't leave it any longer and try to involve your partner as they may well need guidance too, if they won't go go your self get some mental strength back, and start to regain the control over your life, don't STAY a victim, this is all easy to say I know but start with making a phone call. If necessary go back to the UK for some specific councelling, I only suggest this as it is necessary to have an indepth conversation with a trained counsellor that specialises in this kind of trauma and in your own tongue, there may well be some one here that can help if so great but start now.

I hope you feel better with your self soon, you can change this spirral of unhappiness.

 

[/quote]

You could try on here:

http://www.counsellinginfrance.com

So sorry to hear of your situation.

Don't forget there is a whole range of people on this forum that can help in many different ways, so if you need anything just ask away.

Best wishes.

[Livewire]

Thanks to everyone who wrote and sorry for the delay in writing back.  I'm stil waiting for the medical records even though the local Doctor wrote asking for them.  It's been over 3 weeks since they got her letter.  Apparently my insurance covers me for legal action against the hospital so it is now with their legal dept. Unfortunately my marriage broke totally down 3 wks ago and this time there is no return so am busy making arrangements to return to Britain.  My husband blames the operation for the breakdown of our marriage and for the first time ever he talked about what had happened to me last year, too little too late I'm afraid.  The only good thing is I'm determined to stay strong and build a new life for myself once I return home.

Again thanks for the support.

[Chancer]

Good luck with your future Livewire, I hope that you get your medical records soon but 3 weeks is not very long in this country for something that is probably not considered a priority by those who have to organise it.

I have only just started to received the first of many medical bills from hospitalisations last year, the dossier was started 15 months after I was discharged, I spoke to the lady responsible this morning and she assured me that this was quite normal.

If they are that relaxed about getting money in then you may be in for a long wait, but I hope for you that this will not be the case.