The Concern:
It is unsafe for patients to be discharged within three days following this limb lengthening surgery. My only complaint is regarding this practice. The doctor suggested leaving for the hotel after 3 days, with an option to stay for 5 days. I personally required the full 5 days for recovery. I believe it is crucial for all patients to have the opportunity to stay for 5 days to ensure their safety, even if their recovery seems satisfactory. Despite the hospital food not being the best, it is essential to take full advantage of the medical staff’s support during this significant surgery because once you depart, you are much more independent.
I experienced a loss of 2.5-3 cm in height. While my initial height was 172.5-173 cm, my final height measured 169.5-170 cm. This outcome was somewhat disappointing as I had hoped for a greater reduction. The discrepancy between the 4 cm bone lengthening I requested and the actual height loss could be attributed to muscle contracture, spinal compression, or prior leg misalignment. It should be noted that losing 4.1 cm of the femur does not necessarily translate to a 4.1 cm reduction in overall height. Reflecting on this, I might have urged the doctor to aim for closer to a 5 cm lengthening, despite potential disproportions.
Regarding the caretaker, a troubling incident occurred involving one of the hospital staff members who sexually assaulted me and another female patient. The individual deceived us by pretending to be friendly but was, in fact, a predator. The company took action by removing him, yet I remain perplexed and concerned about the resolution process outlined by the quality control manager. I strongly feel that the company should provide me with further details on this matter. His inappropriate actions, such as taking photos of me while sleeping, making advances towards the other patient, and intruding into our rooms late at night, were distressing and unexpected. I confided in Jana about these incidents, and although measures were taken to restrict his access to the hotel premises, his actions continued to cause distress. It is imperative that this individual is not allowed near any patients in the future.
Having a nurse available daily is crucial due to the potential risks associated with such surgeries. Patients, especially those with fixators, require consistent support in case of complications. The absence of clear communication regarding nurse visits during the transition period when our nurse, Aylis, was absent, resulted in some patients missing their essential care. This situation needs urgent improvement to ensure all patients receive the necessary attention. Additionally, separating the nurse area from the physiotherapy room is advisable to prevent easy patient access to medical equipment. The cramped and inadequately ventilated physio room poses challenges, and efforts should be made to enhance its conditions for patients’ comfort and recovery.
There are pressing concerns about the hotel breakfast, particularly due to a severe fly infestation issue. The presence of maggots in food dishes is unacceptable, considering the financial investment patients make in their accommodations. The company should promptly address this issue with Days Inn to uphold hygienic standards. Furthermore, wheelchair accessibility at the hotel requires significant enhancements. Facilities such as ramps should be installed to allow wheelchair users to access all areas easily. The current design limitations hinder mobility and independence, posing unnecessary obstacles for individuals in wheelchairs. Advocacy for improved wheelchair accommodation is essential for ensuring equal access and inclusivity for all guests.
