Please help! Have I got rights to privacy?

firestronaut

I'm sorry if this isnt the right place, I didnt know where else to post it...


Long story short;

I'm currently in hospital.
I'm sharing a room with two other people, one of which I overheard making harsh, unneccesary and rude comments about me - I basically had a choice to go home or stay in this morning. I chose to stay in as the doctors still don't know whats causing my pain and my little girl was getting upset, scared and distressed over the fact I was crying, in so much pain and wasn't able to play with her.
I couldn't face another few days of that so decided to stay.

This wman is fairly oldish and extremely hardshly criticized my decision without knowing the facts.

When I came back into the room, I ignored her and pulled my curtains closed, including the one we share.

She has been complaining all night about it and has just pulled it back open, claiming claustrophobia (she's a hypochondriac so I'm not sure whether I believe her) however the front of her curtain has been left open, it was just the side.


I'm extremely sensitive and have also been diagnosed bipolar and her harsh comments and words have left me feeling empty and depressed. I pulled my curtain closed for the privacy I need and she refuses to keep them closed, complaining to the nurses and rudely making comments.

I'm getting extremely distressed by the situation and fear a relapse in my mental health. There's no space to move me elsewhere and all I want is my privacy! Please help me, what can i do?!?!

firesidemaid

if you find it difficult to say exactly what you have told us to one of the nurses, you could always show them this post.

you could also ask to see the PALS (patient liasion bod) person and talk to them instead.

remember, it is this lady that has the problem. just because she has said what she has doesn't mean that it is true - also, most people in hospital feel a little scared. perhaps this is her way (wrongly) of coping with it. what is the other inpatient in your room like?

durham_girl

No advice, but I just wanted to say that I hope things get better for you soon

pmduk

fireside maid has the right idea. PALS is definitely the best way forward, or you could just ask to be moved as this patient's behaviour is interfering with your treatment (ie causing you to consider discharging yourself)

neilmcl

You claim the women has made harsh and unnecesary comments about you yet you accuse her of being a hypochondriac. I think the words pot and kettle spring to mind.

missymugwump

Why not just ask a nurse to move you to another bay on the ward ?
Have you even spoken to the staff about this

I was in hosp last month opposite an obnoxious german lady who would shout loudly at any one including visitors get me this,pick that up etc..and im sure she was swearing in German at us all under her breath
Anyway after her operation she was a different person (no it wasn't a lobotomy LOL) she came round and was very upset she was actually incredibly scared and lonely

feelinggood_2

I'd talk to the staff. When I was in hospital (pregnancy/delivery) I was allocated a room at no cost because of my mental health problems. I was under the understanding that if there is a clinical need for a private room, they'll give one at no cost, if not, you can chose to pay.

Butlers1982

You claim the women has made harsh and unnecesary comments about you yet you accuse her of being a hypochondriac. I think the words pot and kettle spring to mind.

agreed!


Go private.

Nurseyjo_2

feelinggood wrote: »

I was under the understanding that if there is a clinical need for a private room, they'll give one at no cost, if not, you can chose to pay.

Sadly, these days, most single rooms are isolation rooms so this option is likely to be unavailable.

I would echo the sentiments of fireside maid. The other person I would speak to is the Sister in charge of the ward. She has a duty of care to her patients. Privacy and Dignity are essential elements in care and it appears that you are not getting your privacy. However, there has to be a compromise in that the other patient you speak of obviously has issues surrounding the pulled curtains. I am sure that if you speak with the ward sister, or PALS officer they may be able to move beds around so that you are put with other patients or this other lady is moved to where she feels more comfortable.

Please dont suffer in silence, it may add to your condition. I hope they find out what is causing your pain asap and that you feel better soon.

Norman_Castle

Speak to the nurses in private as soon as possibl.If you or her cannot be moved at least they will be aware of how you feel and will keep an eye on the situation.
Some people are just mean and are best avoided.
Good luck