Brain surgery required 200 miles away, cant afford accm for partner/carer, pls help

hemyinspain

Hi
Due to slipped disc surgery that went wrong resulting in 3 more operations to fix large leak in my dura, meningitis and ultimately a permanent leak in my spinal cord causing constant dehabilitating headaches, I now need to have various surgeries in Londons UCH. I am Devon based.
Because of my medical history, I have developed some quite severe mental health issues, become severly depressed and petrified/phobic of all hospitals, doctors and especially surgeries, however if I have any chance of getting rid of these awful headaches and rebuilding my spine, I have to go ahead.
My problem is that as I havent been able to work since the original surgical errors, I am not very financially stable but absolutely cannot go to London on my own without my carer/partners support.
Does anyone know if there are any charities or any other route I may be able to go to get some help for this please? Im getting very desperate now as the surgery will be quite soon.
Thanks for reading
Sarah

oldsporty

Hello, hope when the time comes all goes well for you! Would the Hospital not have family/partmer accomodation available? I know most hospitals have some facility like this.

amersall

I agree with oldsporty, i would check with the hospital.Good luck for your op and wish you a speedy recovery x

Indie_Kid

Are you on income base benefits? I know they can pay for reasonable costs for you and someone else if you need someone with you.

hrafndot

See if the European Social Fund may be able to assist you in this. I have obtained the email for enquiries. The ESF is connected to the DWP, who also may have information on their website.

[EMAIL="ESF.Feedback@jiu.gsi.gov.uk"]ESF.Feedback@jiu.gsi.gov.uk[/EMAIL]

hemyinspain

Hi
Thank you for your responses.
I have already talked to the hospital. There is no joy whatsoever. I have heard that maybe some charities may be able to help but not sure which ones.. Im searching as much as I can.
I will definately try the ESF as I am on DLA and income support. I cannot work and am seriously depressed Problem is actually doing anything about anything. I am glad I wrote on here though.
Thanks again
Sarah

kazzah60

Hello - I just googled University College Hospitals and found the information below - it is MOST unusual for teaching hospitals to be unable to provide accommodation for patients carers - many of whom will have travelled a long way to receive treatment - it is usually best to approach a nurse or ward clerk on the ward itself to find out information about accommodation



Facilities for visitors

Accommodation for relatives and carers

Seriously ill patients may be visited at any time and we can sometimes arrange for close relatives to stay overnight. Please ask the nurse in charge about this.
Refreshments


Visitors are welcome to use the staff canteens and snack bars in all of our hospitals. Ask a member of staff for directions and the times when these are open. Cold drink vending machines are available in some of the ward or reception areas.

hemyinspain

Hi Kazzah
Thanks for that. When I was up there last week I did ask about this but I am not classed as 'seriously ill' enough! They do not class mental health problems as relevant either. so when I went to see my neuro in Plymouth he suggested charities as he said he had tried before for patients that he had sent to UCH to help with getting accommodation but has been unsuccessful.
When I go up for day tests or for a few days tests, they have me on the day ward and then put me up in a hotel with my carer, but if I am going to be the inpatient, then I am apparently catered for so my carer is not needed apparently. So no matter what the surgery, how traumatic it is going to be, I am supposed to either be rich to have support or deal with it alone.
Sort of devil and a hard place situation really
Thanks though. I will definately keep chasing it up.
Sarah

idvi

if push came to shove (worst case) and your carer needed a hotel you could try and bag a cheap one

http://www.travelodge.co.uk/search_and_book/hotel_overview.php?hotel_id=270 - farringdon travelodge from £69 a night. (cheapest travelodge in london i think and 1 mile away from UCH) (nw1 2bu)

or you could try and find somewhere else really cheap but good for your carer to stay

in london, 1 mile isnt far to travel day or night because of 24hr, ridiculously regular buses etc (or the tube in the day)

kazzah60

http://www.piccadillyhotel.net/facilities

Hi Sarah
well, how annoying is that - you're not ill enough!
anyway - have you looked at the above facilities- one of the parents involved in the charity I volunteer for stayed here when their child was in hospital in london
she said they were fantastic facilities and extremely reasonable prices
I hope all goes well - you could do without the added hassle of this worry
Kaz

hemyinspain

Thanks guys, will check them both out tomorrow and will keep you updated
Sarah