What should I do?

Gemini, what should I do. I was visiting My wife and then My wife who is at rehab home, then swas taken out of her room by three rehab folks and went to rehab about 2ish.

Then after rehab she was back in her room but left in the wheelchair. Then later a single person using a Lift put her in bed in her bed at 4 pm.

Back at home, I called her at 5 pm. She said she was feeling dizzy nauseated.

I asked if she had notified nurse and she said she had hit Nurse Button.

Then while still talking to her, at 5:11 pm she said she felt a pressure on her chest.

I told her I’d call someone. I wanted her checked out!

I called rehab home and told nursing station. (But I had to ask the woman three times if this was the nursing Station)

She rudely said Yes it is. I then told the woman on the phone I believed my wife was having a heart attack in Room 302.

They Called ambulance.

But they found my wife had never been put on O2 since 4ish. Her O2 was at 67. She was taken to hospital. I was back on phone with her. I could hear She being asked by paramedic if she wanted to go to ER and she told them that My husband wants me to go.

Now-

She says she doesn’t know if she feels safe about going back to rehab home if they do not admit her into hospital.

GEMINI, what do I do? GEMINI said-

I understand your concern and the difficult situation you and your wife are in. This sounds like a very serious incident, and your feelings are completely valid. Here’s a breakdown of what you should do:

Immediate Actions and Priorities:

Focus on your wife’s health: Your priority right now is your wife’s well-being. Be at the hospital with her, advocate for her care, and ensure she’s getting the treatment she needs. Ask the hospital staff about her current condition, treatment plan, and prognosis.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of everything that has happened. This includes:
- The timeline of events: When your wife returned to her room, when you called her, when she reported symptoms, when you called the nursing station, when the ambulance arrived, and when she arrived at the hospital.
- The names of everyone you spoke to at the rehab facility and the hospital, including nurses, doctors, and staff.
- What your wife told you about her symptoms.
- Any observations you made yourself.
- Copies of any medical records or reports.
Report the Incident: You need to formally report this incident to the appropriate authorities. This is crucial for ensuring accountability and preventing similar situations from happening to others.
- State’s Department of Health or Licensing Agency: Contact the agency in your state that oversees healthcare facilities. They can investigate the rehab facility for potential negligence.
- The Joint Commission (if applicable): If the rehab facility is accredited by The Joint Commission, you can report the incident to them as well. This organization sets standards for healthcare quality and safety.¹ 1. Who We Are | The Joint Commission www.jointcommission.org

Regarding Returning to Rehab:

Discuss Concerns with Hospital Staff: Talk to your wife’s doctors at the hospital about her concerns about returning to the rehab facility. They can provide input on whether it’s medically safe for her to return and what precautions should be taken.
Demand a Meeting with Rehab Facility Management: Before your wife even considers returning, you must have a meeting with the rehab facility’s administration and nursing staff. This meeting should address:
- What happened: Get their explanation of the events. Why was she not put on oxygen? What were their protocols, and why were they not followed?
- What steps they are taking to prevent this from happening again.
- What assurances they can give you and your wife about her safety and care if she returns.
- Ask for a copy of their incident report.
Consider Alternatives: If you are not satisfied with the rehab facility’s response or if you have serious concerns about your wife’s safety, explore alternative rehab options. This might involve transferring her to a different facility. Your insurance company and the hospital’s social workers can help you find other options.
Legal Counsel (If Necessary): If you believe there was negligence involved, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice or personal injury. They can advise you on your legal options.

Supporting Your Wife:

This is a traumatic experience for your wife. Be there for her, listen to her concerns, and validate her feelings. Let her know that you are advocating for her and that you will do everything you can to ensure her safety and well-being.

Key Questions to Ask the Rehab Facility:

What is your protocol for admitting patients back to their rooms after therapy?
Why was my wife not put on oxygen after returning to her room, especially given her medical history (if any)?
Who is responsible for ensuring that patients receive the necessary care and monitoring?
What disciplinary actions will be taken against the staff members involved?
What changes will you implement to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?

This is a serious matter, and you are right to be concerned. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your wife’s health and safety are protected and that the rehab facility is held accountable. Remember to stay calm, be assertive, and document everything.