Has anyone ever complained to a patient advocate at the hospital? Any tips? We have been waiting since March for treatment to start on my fil's melanoma and every week there is a different reason as to why it's being delayed. Today they cancelled a cat scan because they decided he needs to lay on his back instead of his stomach when they do it. In the meantime, he is in considerable pain, and the cancer is growing and spreading. He has stage IV melanoma.

By Dancermom on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 04:19 pm:

OMG!

I have no advice but that is totally unacceptable.

What does his doctor say. I don't understand how that can be allowed. Can't he switch doctor's.

Why would they have to cancel the appointment, couldn't they just have rolled him over?? Silly question I suppose, but that doesn't make sense. Was the appointment rescheduled.

My husband had Stage III melanoma and they started treatment within days. Thankfully they got it all and he is fine now.

Sorry, but I would be raising a HUGE stink with my doctor and the hospital.

Good luck.

By Breann on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 04:21 pm:

That is very serious. Can you switch doctors/hospitals? I would be steaming mad. And, if my FIL lost his life because of their negligence, you can bet I would be suing the pants off of his care providers.

I would definitely start the complaining process ASAP. I would also start to document every time I talk to someone about the problem. I would be sure to note the date, time and name of person talked to, as well as the general idea of how the conversation went.

So sorry you have to go through this.

By Colette on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 05:24 pm:

No, we cannot switch drs. He is going through the Veteran's and we have to go to this hospital. I couldn't understand why they had to cancel the appointment either.

By Tripletmom on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 06:24 pm:

{{{HUGS}}} I have no advice but I just CANNOT believe the lack of treatment!! He's been waiting 4 months??? Something is wrong.Is anybody giving him anything for pain?

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 08:07 pm:

You need to find out who at the hospital you complain to. If there is a patient advocate you need to complain, in writing, with a copy to the head of the oncology department and the radiology department. This is totally unacceptable. And see if you can find out who is a regional supervisor for the VA in your region. Call the local VFW and see if they can point you to an advocate. And call your local congressman and ask who at the VA you can complain to. As always, PUT YOUR COMPLAINT IN WRITING. Write out a chronology - thus and so happened on such and such a day, Dr. so and so said thus and so on this date, this is what was scheduled for this date and it was canceled because ...

By Dancermom on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 10:11 pm:

It is just disgusting they are treating veterans this way.

Months to start treating a very serious illness.

Ditto Ginny.

Does someone go to these appointments with your FIL?? I know if my grandma went by herself she wouldn't push them either. She would just accept what they say at face value. We would have to go with her to make sure things are taken care of properly.

By Pamt on Monday, June 11, 2007 - 10:25 pm:

Ditto Ginny also. I hate to say it though, but this is probably happening because it IS a VA Hospital. Understaffed, underpaid, etc. Hope he gets the care he needs and soon!

By Kittycat_26 on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 07:54 am:

Having gone through not the identical situation but a problem where my mom and I both had to go through a patient advocate for my dad, I can't give you enough sympathy. However, you are his voice so down to business.

Ginny gave me similar advice to keep things in writing and keep a running journal of who you talked to and when. This cannot be more important. I work in the medical field and wish this wasn't true but they will cover themselves. Keep a written list of what was said and by whom and then no one can make you think you've lost your mind.

This will also come in handy if this continues to stretch out. I used to think that I would never forget the names and things that were said. However, over time, things have gotten blurred.

For my dad, it has been over two years now and it's still not over.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 11:25 am:

Hey, Amanda - email me, if you don't mind, and let me know what is going on with your dad.

By Colette on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 11:27 am:

Thanks everyone. I've got the name and number of the advocate. I need to get my thoughts together and call her this afternoon.