"I am concerned that I have been forgotten"

I had acute abdominal pain in March 2024 and was advised to go to A&E by out of hours GP. I had a twisted bowel requiring immediate surgery. I received excellent medical treatment from the surgical team and during my hospital stay in the emergency surgery ward of the RVH Belfast. 

On discharge I was told that I would be reviewed 6 weeks following surgery. I am now 16 weeks post surgery and have not received my review. This feels like a lack of care. I am concerned that I have been forgotten. I had a laparotomy as an emergency, and I have been unable to discuss this with a consultant. Whilst in hospital I received advice from consultants but I was unable to retain this information given that I had an emergency laparotomy.  My GP advises that my recovery will be ongoing, that I should be reviewed at hospital but that they are unable to arrange a review appointment.

I have a severe sight impairment and whilst in hospital I asked that staff introduce themselves to me as I could not see their name badges. Some hospital staff did this but too many did not, meaning I did not know who was at my bed or why they were there. I feel this is something that would benefit many patients not just sight impaired people.

At discharge I was told that hospital staff would arrange for a district nurse to call to my home to remove surgical staples. This did not happen and I had to arrange this appointment through my GP as self referral was not possible. Luckily I had the wherewithal to arrange this appointment as the NHS may have had another emergency to deal with.

I appreciate the medical expertise I have received but feel abandoned and fearful by the lack of follow up care.