Briton's Dash From Spain Beats Mother's Ambulance To Hospital 10 Miles Away

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 9-16-2003 | Nick Britten

[blam]

Briton's dash from Spain beat mother's ambulance to hospital 10 miles away

By Nick Britten
(Filed: 16/09/2003)

A holidaymaker who was telephoned in Spain and told that his mother was being taken to hospital in Derby caught the next plane home only to find that he had arrived at the ward before her.

An investigation began yesterday into why it took an ambulance service longer to transport Clarice Burgin, 86, the 10 miles to hospital than it did for her son to travel 1,200 miles from Benidorm.

"I can't believe we waited at the airport, flew to Birmingham, waited for our bags and drove to Derby and the ambulance hadn't even been sent," said Stephen Brown.

"We got to the hospital expecting to find my mum in a bed and being cared for. Instead the nurses told us she hadn't arrived yet. We were astounded."

Mrs Burgin was taken ill with suspected pneumonia at her warden-controlled flat in Ripley, Derbys, and her GP called for an ambulance at 2.20pm. An East Midlands Ambulance Service crew should have arrived within 15 minutes but despite repeated calls from relatives they failed to arrive until after 10pm.

Mrs Burgin finally got to hospital at 10.45pm. She had a stroke the following day and later died.

Mr Brown, 41, who runs a cleaning firm, said: "If they could have got her to hospital earlier maybe they would have been able to sort out the antibiotics quicker.

"My family made numerous calls to find out where the ambulance was, and each time they were told it would be there soon. They were told again and again."

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "It is too early to come to any conclusion on the cause of the delay.

"I cannot comment on whether it had any bearing on subsequent events. However, we would offer our sympathy to Mrs Burgin's family."

[blam]

What is 'warden-controlled'?

[Peach]

They get what they pay for in England. Which is to say, NOTHING.

There are plenty of private hospitals dotted around the country for those who can afford it.

[Snake65]

"If you think health care is expensive now, wait until it's free."
-P.J. O'Rourke

[mrs tiggywinkle]

**What is 'warden-controlled'? **

Perhaps it's the British version of 'assisted care'...?

[gaelwolf]

Never ever forget...

This is the health "care" system that Dr. Dean, Dame Hillary, Dickie Gephardt and the rest of the nine "candidates" tout as being the one we should emulate here in the United States.

Do you want this for your parents, yourself, and your kids?

[wimpycat]

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: "It is too early to come to any conclusion on the cause of the delay.

LOL! They'll take forever and a day to THINK, too.

However, it doesn't make any difference about the cause, because there is absolutely NO excuse--especially when they got repeated calls.

At what point, if it was your mother, would you load her up in your own car (and f*** up anybody who tried to stop you) and take her yourself? I think I would have, at some point, screamed bloody murder and lit a fire under the "warden" until she got to the hospital, or taken her, IV's and all, in my own car.

[PAR35]

It looks like you are on the right track. I googled this up:

Luton Borough Council
Sheltered and Warden Controlled Accommodation

There are 22 sheltered housing schemes situated in various locations within the Borough of Luton. The aim of the service is to provide independent living facilities for over 100 elderly and disabled people in purpose built schemes. Each scheme has an average of 35 self-contained flats situated in a central building complex.

and

Role of the Warden:-

This has changed considerably over the last five years. The Warden is responsible for managing the scheme - checking on the well-being of residents, checking on the general housekeeping of the block, reporting faults and repairs in and around the building to the responsible department of the Council, and working together with residents to raise funds for social activities etc.

The Warden is not a carer and is not allowed to administer medication, although many have a nursing or caring background. They also do not carry out domestic tasks such as cooking or cleaning. However, during short term illnesses such as the flu, they will provide as much support as possible.

It is important to remember these are not residential homes for the elderly and whilst the Warden is able to offer support, families are encouraged to assist whenever possible. They will also contact doctors, nurses, Social Services etc as requested or required.

[IoCaster]

Why would they wait 7+ hours for a friggin ambulance? It seems to me that someone could've gotten a car or even called a damn taxi. It's amazing to me how dependent on the government people can get. Cradle to grave nanny state, eh?

[solzhenitsyn]

A holidaymaker who was telephoned in Spain and told that his mother was being taken to hospital in Derby caught the next plane home only to find that he had arrived at the ward before her.

Mr. Stephen Brown could certainly teach the French a thing or two about filial duty.