Hello Countrymouse and all.
You answered a question of mine some time ago.
Sadly my Mum recently passed away.
I am currently putting in writing a complaint about her pain and suffering under Palliative care in a Public Hospital with not adequate pain relief.
I am wondering if, before I send it on as a complaint if you would be kind enough to read it and give me any information you feel I have missed in pointing out. I dont know the correct way to word it all but if you would allow me to send it to you I would be grateful.
I haven't finished writing it yet.
Lois
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Keep your letter as short as you are able to. Tell whomever you are writing it to that you will be sending a copy of it to JCAHO (if this was a hospital) which is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals organization.
Pain is now considered a vital sign, and one of the most important of all vital signs. It is no longer acceptable to leave patients in pain, especially if they are on palliative and hospice care and it is understood that administration of large amount of medication may hasten death by some hours, days, weeks, but is needed for comfort.
In your letter it is important to enumerate the times and circumstances that family ASKED FOR PAIN relief medication and it was not given, and what the staff said about WHY it wasn't given. I am hoping you have somewhat of a diary. For instance:
Friday 3/15 at 4:30 p.m. Mother writhing in pain and calling out. Staff refuses to medicate saying "too soon".
and etc.
Wishing you good luck.