Fred

Whilst Fred has heart disease, diabetes and arthritis, his main day-day problems stem from Meniere’s Syndrome, which affects his hearing and is characterised by unpredictable attacks. Fred has been in hospital for many operations since his forties.

Whilst Fred has a range of health problems, Meniere’s Syndrome, which involves progressive hearing loss, causes him most trouble on a day-day basis. When he is very ill he is not able to take all of his drugs prescribed for other conditions.

Most of Fred’s medical history involved operations in hospital, not all of which were thought to have been successful. Fred’s experiences lead him to be very critical of the organisation and provision of hospital care. Four operations on his gall bladder, which lasted over ten years during his 40s/50s, were deemed to have been unsuccessful and he had to have another operation to remove articles left inside him by the surgical team. It was following this operation that he was diagnosed with Meniere’s.

Two years before the interview he had a heart operation, following which he was discharged too quickly with not enough medical supplies. He picked up infections whilst in hospital. Following these experiences, Fred is very critical of hospital discharge procedures, cleanliness, food, toilets and perceived overcrowding.

It was taking Fred so long to see his preferred GP that he changed to a new one, although he is not as confident in them. Fred is active in a local heart club and helps with research studies.

Fred’s treatment for Meniere’s disease comes with a warning not to touch the tablet as it might cause blisters. The side effects are worth putting up with because the tablet is effective.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

Fred is concerned about cleanliness in hospitals as he caught an infection as an in-patient. Whilst in hospital he recommended that nurses make electronic notes on iPads, which was taken up by the Trust.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

Fred was discharged from hospital at short notice after a heart operation without adequate supplies, including dressings. Within 24 hours he was having to use paper towels instead.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

Fred never knew why he was in hospital in the first place and was discharged with inadequate supplies. He was told he had picked up an infection whilst an inpatient. He is concerned about hospital cleanliness.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

Fred picked up an infection whilst in hospital and his health has not been the same since he came out. This has led him to be concerned about cleanliness in health facilities.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

One of Fred’s illnesses makes him vomit, which means he cannot take his diabetes medication. He wonders whether his conditions are related to diabetes.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40

Fred’s GP only works 2 days a week and he would have to wait 2 to 3 weeks if he wanted an appointment with her. He mainly has telephone consultations with other GPs.

Age at interview 85

Gender Male

Age at diagnosis 40