Have had this story sent through to me.
"Two ambulance medics have been arrested for allegedly failing to treat a dying man because "he was not worth saving".
Ambulance controllers overheard a private conversation between the crew members in which they supposedly made disparaging remarks about the victim's untidy home, allegedly failed to attempt to resuscitate him, and then apparently decided to claim he was already dead when they arrived.
Barry Baker, 59, dialled 999 from his home in Patcham, near Brighton in the early hours of November 29 and said that he was suffering from severe chest pains.
Controllers sent a paramedic and ambulance technician immediately, and although Mr Baker collapsed while talking on the phone, the line to the control centre was left open as he lay on the floor.
Minutes later the control staff heard the crew enter the house. A police source said: "What they heard after their ambulance crew arrived frankly astonished them.
"Apparently their first reaction was to comment on the untidy and unkempt state of the house. Then they are heard to comment on seeing Mr Baker and allegedly saying that it was not worth bothering to try to carry out resuscitation to try to save him. They then are heard discussing what to tell ambulance control and allegedly decide to say that he was already dead when they arrived.
"Obviously the crew did not realise that the phone was still connected and, of course, the 999 call was all recorded on tape," said the source.
The unnamed ambulance staff were arrested after the tape was handed to the Sussex Police Major Crime Team.
They have been suspended from duty and a file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider prosecuting the pair for wilfully neglecting to perform a duty in public office.
Police confirmed the two medics, both based at Brighton ambulance station, were detained on December 5, six days after Mr Baker's death. They were later freed on bail until next month, pending further inquiries.
A spokesman said: "The men, aged 35 years and 44 years and from the Brighton area, have been arrested and questioned following the death of a man in Brighton. They were detained on suspicion of wilfully neglecting to perform a duty in public office, contrary to Common Law."
A spokesman for the South East Coast Ambulance NHS Trust said that both men had been suspended from duty.
"We have suspended two male members of staff from duty as police conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a man at his home. We are giving the police our full co-operation in this matter and are not in a position to comment further at this time due to the police investigation taking place."
His funeral has been delayed but a memorial service is due to take place next month."
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Is there a point and if so could someone enlighten me as to what it is?
A couple of friends informed me that they don't have to pay council tax because they have MH problems.
I rang the council office to ask about this and they told me that people with bipolar are not excempt from paying council tax. Well, as one of the friends that told me they were except has bipolar, I have to wonder at what exactly is going on and why?
Is this another new law the government are bringing in or do the rules vary depending on which borough you live in..hmmm Or is it now seen that bipolar is no longer as debilitating illness?
I spoke to my care co-ordinator who is going to be talking to a disability rights adviser on Monday about it. She has also advised me to organise a meeting between Dad's care co-ordinator and myself in regards to his mental health and care needs.
In amongst this had another letter from the MP telling me the relevant person at the Trust is on holiday and will be getting in touch when they are back off leave.
Is all quite muddley really. Perhaps I should wait for the relevant person at the Trust and ask them to be involved in the meeting.
And so I have bought myselfa second hand hoover. Spied it whilst I was posting the letters to credit card company. My carpets are a disgrace and I couldn't stand it any longer. Okay so I am in overdraft but am kind of giving up on the budgetting front. Know that I am on a hiding to nothing with that.
As I wrote on my facebook page, I am now using the hoover to try and suck my brains out with. Might get some relief!!!
I rang the council office to ask about this and they told me that people with bipolar are not excempt from paying council tax. Well, as one of the friends that told me they were except has bipolar, I have to wonder at what exactly is going on and why?
Is this another new law the government are bringing in or do the rules vary depending on which borough you live in..hmmm Or is it now seen that bipolar is no longer as debilitating illness?
I spoke to my care co-ordinator who is going to be talking to a disability rights adviser on Monday about it. She has also advised me to organise a meeting between Dad's care co-ordinator and myself in regards to his mental health and care needs.
In amongst this had another letter from the MP telling me the relevant person at the Trust is on holiday and will be getting in touch when they are back off leave.
Is all quite muddley really. Perhaps I should wait for the relevant person at the Trust and ask them to be involved in the meeting.
And so I have bought myselfa second hand hoover. Spied it whilst I was posting the letters to credit card company. My carpets are a disgrace and I couldn't stand it any longer. Okay so I am in overdraft but am kind of giving up on the budgetting front. Know that I am on a hiding to nothing with that.
As I wrote on my facebook page, I am now using the hoover to try and suck my brains out with. Might get some relief!!!
Hollow Hills
I have felt that posting is futile although blogs are for blogging as and when and for whatever reasons but with the new year sagas I would rather not have to be involved in, I have no awe inspiring words and there is very little creative flow going on inside me. Not that this blog is here to serve the public. Is not some sort of personal recovery model in which I feel can aid others to recovery. Although if there are ones, and they do aid others, there is nothing wrong with that.
I guess I am counting my lucky stars that I am still able to get out of bed in the morning although what to do with the rest of the day is more than a slight problem.
Have been in contact with Dad. Wondering why so much of me has been absorbed in his whatever is going on. Is not like I am actually being of any positive use to him. Maybe I am (for him) a key player in some game. A game he isn't necessarily concious he is playing.I can't explain this very well...but it isn't all about me being the flesh of his flesh (although that is some of it). It is quite a bit to do with twisted history. Perhaps I do try and make things alright but I should know by now that it doesn't work. I accept that I have no control and I also accept that whatever I do is likely to be undermined by his illness and character traits. I don't know if there is an element of deliberate stubborness. I do think he is being very selfish.
When I spoke to him I said I didn't mind him going away. I was concerned for his safety but that he is a grown up and can do what he wants. The problem was the not letting me know and leaving me to try and work it out for myself (risk assessment). He was, I sensed, pissed off cos he told me he would think about it and then put the phone down. I think he felt I was telling him off. Rightly or wrongly I took that badly. I didn't tell him because i don't think he is in a position (or wants) to care about my feelings.
I thought about Mum. Our relationship was very different. We could talk pretty freely (although at times her ill states meant that I avoided things that might hurt her) and laughed alot together. We were close. I don't feel close to Dad. I feel like someone who looks out for him but he is a stranger to me and we are becoming more distant.
He could be suffering from dementia. I am not an expert in how to diagnose dementia so is more a possibility than knowing with any certainty. Having been in contact with other people (non MH professionals) I am getting feedback that old people can become self absorbed and hurtful. Hmmm.
I guess I do have to detach myself and keep myself as detached as much as I can but I don't want to let go. I don't want him to be totally alone but I can't carry on being dominated with fears for him or being rejected.
I could wail on about it being a pants time of year for me and trying to see some point in rallying through depression but that isn't going to make anything better.
I have to get on with it.
The local council sent me one of their officious letters pretty much saying that if I don't play ball they will call in the heavies. I am paying what I can, when I can. It doesn't matter how many officious letters I get, they can't have money that I haven't got.
Making some progress with the credit card company. I have to send letters to them (addressed to the companies taking the unauthorised payments from my account) and then, so the credit company says, they will stop further payments. So far I am £40 down! If that doesnt' work then the police will get involved, so the police say. I don't know what I believe anymore. I just see things going round in circles.
Ho hum!
I guess I am counting my lucky stars that I am still able to get out of bed in the morning although what to do with the rest of the day is more than a slight problem.
Have been in contact with Dad. Wondering why so much of me has been absorbed in his whatever is going on. Is not like I am actually being of any positive use to him. Maybe I am (for him) a key player in some game. A game he isn't necessarily concious he is playing.I can't explain this very well...but it isn't all about me being the flesh of his flesh (although that is some of it). It is quite a bit to do with twisted history. Perhaps I do try and make things alright but I should know by now that it doesn't work. I accept that I have no control and I also accept that whatever I do is likely to be undermined by his illness and character traits. I don't know if there is an element of deliberate stubborness. I do think he is being very selfish.
When I spoke to him I said I didn't mind him going away. I was concerned for his safety but that he is a grown up and can do what he wants. The problem was the not letting me know and leaving me to try and work it out for myself (risk assessment). He was, I sensed, pissed off cos he told me he would think about it and then put the phone down. I think he felt I was telling him off. Rightly or wrongly I took that badly. I didn't tell him because i don't think he is in a position (or wants) to care about my feelings.
I thought about Mum. Our relationship was very different. We could talk pretty freely (although at times her ill states meant that I avoided things that might hurt her) and laughed alot together. We were close. I don't feel close to Dad. I feel like someone who looks out for him but he is a stranger to me and we are becoming more distant.
He could be suffering from dementia. I am not an expert in how to diagnose dementia so is more a possibility than knowing with any certainty. Having been in contact with other people (non MH professionals) I am getting feedback that old people can become self absorbed and hurtful. Hmmm.
I guess I do have to detach myself and keep myself as detached as much as I can but I don't want to let go. I don't want him to be totally alone but I can't carry on being dominated with fears for him or being rejected.
I could wail on about it being a pants time of year for me and trying to see some point in rallying through depression but that isn't going to make anything better.
I have to get on with it.
The local council sent me one of their officious letters pretty much saying that if I don't play ball they will call in the heavies. I am paying what I can, when I can. It doesn't matter how many officious letters I get, they can't have money that I haven't got.
Making some progress with the credit card company. I have to send letters to them (addressed to the companies taking the unauthorised payments from my account) and then, so the credit company says, they will stop further payments. So far I am £40 down! If that doesnt' work then the police will get involved, so the police say. I don't know what I believe anymore. I just see things going round in circles.
Ho hum!
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Worry Lag, a really vital blog posting and a young Doctor with much more than an Oyster card
Haven't been waving or drowning but huddling in the trenches waiting for the backfire!
I am not sharing anything of what is going on with Dad because I have been too twisted up with anger and hurt and I can no longer be arsed!!!!
I am not competely washing my hands of situations so much as detaching myself on the grounds that I have just joined Lil's "Self Preservation Society" and following Mr Sinatra's footsteps, I'll do it MY WAY!
Had a hunt round blogland and was struck by the glorious Dr Rant on a classic rant. Actually, it was more a straight to point assessment of how things are in the NHS rather than a rabid session of the screamy ab dabs (although I quite like those too). Anyway, the best rants are those backed up by a sharp intake of reality.
Problem is Jo (where the fekk are we, now?) Public seems to have resigned itself to being permanently shafted up the jacksie by the Government and for those who feel the Government have been given a bad name...wake up and smell the pxss you are drowning in!!!
I was actually relieved to read Dr Rant's posting. Relieved that there are still some people out there prepared to take a breather from the Jollity Farm and look at where they are and ask some questions as to why.
And flitting from the crucial to the optional extras....a tangent I am more than happy to go with is the new Dr Who.The quirkily attractive (in my mostly irrelevant opinion) Matt Smith.
I like him. Not even sure why yet but I did get to see him in 'The Ruby In The Smoke' in which his character reminded of an older Artful Dodger. I haven't the foggiest how he will cut it as the new Doctor but am prepared to ride along with him in the Tardis and see where he goes. Pity it is rather a long wait for his big entrance...but that does allow David Tennant fans (me included) to say our goodbyes in a more gentle fashion.
I am not sharing anything of what is going on with Dad because I have been too twisted up with anger and hurt and I can no longer be arsed!!!!
I am not competely washing my hands of situations so much as detaching myself on the grounds that I have just joined Lil's "Self Preservation Society" and following Mr Sinatra's footsteps, I'll do it MY WAY!
Had a hunt round blogland and was struck by the glorious Dr Rant on a classic rant. Actually, it was more a straight to point assessment of how things are in the NHS rather than a rabid session of the screamy ab dabs (although I quite like those too). Anyway, the best rants are those backed up by a sharp intake of reality.
Problem is Jo (where the fekk are we, now?) Public seems to have resigned itself to being permanently shafted up the jacksie by the Government and for those who feel the Government have been given a bad name...wake up and smell the pxss you are drowning in!!!
I was actually relieved to read Dr Rant's posting. Relieved that there are still some people out there prepared to take a breather from the Jollity Farm and look at where they are and ask some questions as to why.
And flitting from the crucial to the optional extras....a tangent I am more than happy to go with is the new Dr Who.The quirkily attractive (in my mostly irrelevant opinion) Matt Smith.
I like him. Not even sure why yet but I did get to see him in 'The Ruby In The Smoke' in which his character reminded of an older Artful Dodger. I haven't the foggiest how he will cut it as the new Doctor but am prepared to ride along with him in the Tardis and see where he goes. Pity it is rather a long wait for his big entrance...but that does allow David Tennant fans (me included) to say our goodbyes in a more gentle fashion.
Saturday, 3 January 2009
A Brief Encounter....
With a glimpse of hope and then it was gone.
Am still trying to get to a numb place..(have had fleeting encounters with that today too).but Dad has done the offski again.
I was trying to work out why (as in why almost same time as last year)....considering I don't actually know hardly any of where Dad is at (only from an observation point to far away to make any difference), it isn't easy to know anything any more.
Only perhaps because when Mum died we had to wait until the first week of January for her cremation service, there is some significance. Perhaps that anniversary, followed by the effort of trying to survive all the durge and charade playing of the festive season gets him to point where he feels he has to do something. But I don't really know.
The emotional exhaustion of yesterday left me in neurosis hell today. Is bad enough me having to deal with this but Em was involved. I try to keep her away from the pain as much as but she and fella were crashing at mine. After several attempts to ring Dad (no reply). We all went round there, no response from door bell, calling careline, waiting for Warden to turn up, walking into pitch black flat (dreading finding his body)..the police. The nosy neighbour (who for once am grateful to) as they told warden he had got in taxi around 3pm.
The police have classified Dad as low risk (seems everyone except me has done the same)..what I view of that view is beyond printable.
I have had a call from him. He is North East. I won't go into any more detail on that but for now he is safe.
This could go anyway...I certainly haven't the foggiest which way. All I have done is asked him to stay safe and eat well.
I am not even sure I want to get the MH services involved. After he was picked up last year, he spent the best part of six months being totally miserable and ignored in a psychiatric unit. I wouldnt' want to be the one to inflict that on him.
Mind you, I feel like I have no say in anything!!!
I contacted the police to tell them what I knew. They have asked me to contact them if and when he makes contact with me again. I will but I feel like telling them all to "Fuck off" and is not personal but I really can't be doing with any more hoping, trying, fighting for what? False hope...for a father who I don't have capacity to handle and a system with no capacity (or desire) to provide proper care.
Is all mind fuckingly shite!
Am still trying to get to a numb place..(have had fleeting encounters with that today too).but Dad has done the offski again.
I was trying to work out why (as in why almost same time as last year)....considering I don't actually know hardly any of where Dad is at (only from an observation point to far away to make any difference), it isn't easy to know anything any more.
Only perhaps because when Mum died we had to wait until the first week of January for her cremation service, there is some significance. Perhaps that anniversary, followed by the effort of trying to survive all the durge and charade playing of the festive season gets him to point where he feels he has to do something. But I don't really know.
The emotional exhaustion of yesterday left me in neurosis hell today. Is bad enough me having to deal with this but Em was involved. I try to keep her away from the pain as much as but she and fella were crashing at mine. After several attempts to ring Dad (no reply). We all went round there, no response from door bell, calling careline, waiting for Warden to turn up, walking into pitch black flat (dreading finding his body)..the police. The nosy neighbour (who for once am grateful to) as they told warden he had got in taxi around 3pm.
The police have classified Dad as low risk (seems everyone except me has done the same)..what I view of that view is beyond printable.
I have had a call from him. He is North East. I won't go into any more detail on that but for now he is safe.
This could go anyway...I certainly haven't the foggiest which way. All I have done is asked him to stay safe and eat well.
I am not even sure I want to get the MH services involved. After he was picked up last year, he spent the best part of six months being totally miserable and ignored in a psychiatric unit. I wouldnt' want to be the one to inflict that on him.
Mind you, I feel like I have no say in anything!!!
I contacted the police to tell them what I knew. They have asked me to contact them if and when he makes contact with me again. I will but I feel like telling them all to "Fuck off" and is not personal but I really can't be doing with any more hoping, trying, fighting for what? False hope...for a father who I don't have capacity to handle and a system with no capacity (or desire) to provide proper care.
Is all mind fuckingly shite!
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Can't forget the little one
Here is my first attempt at using digital camera. I think I have to do something about the lighting but at least I managed to install it, take photos and then download them (all by myself).
We went to party
Cinderella got to the ball and wearing a posh frock too!
Em, her fella and best friend came with me to the New Year's Eve do at the local pub (which is well within crawling distance).
I didn't feel like the token old fart, in fact being amongst young people played to my fun side. Yep, I danced. That was great to be dancing amongst other people for a change.
Was a great buffet too with 4 lots of desserts. I had the Death By Chocolate which was pretty close to divine.
I didn't drink although I did dip my finger in the remnants of Em's Sambuka (very nice too..I like aniseed)and although the youngsters did knock some back none of them got legless which meant we could all walk home (without fallings over or deviations).
Just before we left, there was a fireworks display, which we watched from the window. That seemed to be the perfect ending to a great night out.
Back to dancing. I was pretty much dancing to anything but drew the line at "Oops Upside Your Head"....deffo not a dance for a posh frock. I did attempt to dance to this..which was novel:
Now it is 2009. I haven't much to say about it except I hope everyone gets the kind of year they need.
Em, her fella and best friend came with me to the New Year's Eve do at the local pub (which is well within crawling distance).
I didn't feel like the token old fart, in fact being amongst young people played to my fun side. Yep, I danced. That was great to be dancing amongst other people for a change.
Was a great buffet too with 4 lots of desserts. I had the Death By Chocolate which was pretty close to divine.
I didn't drink although I did dip my finger in the remnants of Em's Sambuka (very nice too..I like aniseed)and although the youngsters did knock some back none of them got legless which meant we could all walk home (without fallings over or deviations).
Just before we left, there was a fireworks display, which we watched from the window. That seemed to be the perfect ending to a great night out.
Back to dancing. I was pretty much dancing to anything but drew the line at "Oops Upside Your Head"....deffo not a dance for a posh frock. I did attempt to dance to this..which was novel:
Now it is 2009. I haven't much to say about it except I hope everyone gets the kind of year they need.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
