A 94-year-old woman was reportedly left unattended on a hospital stretcher for 36 hours following a suspected stroke. Rita Holohan experienced symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, and confusion after fulfilling a lifelong dream of indoor skydiving.
Emergency services were contacted at approximately 9:30 pm on Friday and diagnosed her with a minor stroke. She was then transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn, Norfolk, where she remained on a stretcher for an extended period before being moved to a hospital ward.
Her daughter, Beverley Pegg, expressed frustration with the lack of communication and care her mother received, stating, “This time last week she was skydiving indoors, and now she’s in a hospital bed without a clear diagnosis.”
Pegg also criticized the hospital for the poor communication, mentioning her repeated failed attempts to obtain updates on her mother’s condition. She, being a nurse herself, highlighted the challenges hospitals face with bed availability but emphasized the substandard care her mother received.
In response, hospital officials acknowledged the family’s concerns and emphasized their commitment to prioritizing patient care based on clinical urgency. Richard Parker, the chief operating officer, assured the public that efforts are continuously made to enhance patient experience and streamline care delivery in times of high demand.
The hospital acknowledged the distress caused by prolonged waiting times and emphasized the importance of transparent communication with patients and their families. They reiterated their dedication to improving patient flow and overall experience within their emergency care services.