Has This Happened to You?

It was the end of April 2020.  My husband suffered a diabetic foot injury.  He came home from work to show me his foot.  I took one look at it and knew he had cellulitis.  He needed debridement and antibiotics ASAP!  I was worried that he may lose some of his toes.

I dressed his wounds and drove him to the nearest hospital.  As soon as we entered the door, we were told by the receptionist that I had to leave.  No one except the patient may enter the hospital because of COVID19.  I tried explaining that I needed to be there in order to help him with the aftercare of his foot, and that I was worried they might have to amputate his toes.  My husband was equally as worried.

My reasons were not enough to allow me into the emergency room with him.  An already stressful situation was compounded by intense worry, anger, and frustration.  I was relegated to waiting in my vehicle while he disappeared behind closed doors.

When I got back to my vehicle I looked up the hospital website to read about visitor policy during COVID19. It stated that no visitors are allowed, and that exceptions could be made for emergency visits.  I once again tried to walk into the ER and requested to see my husband.  The receptionist called back to the nurse, and the nurse declined my entrance.

I had no recourse except to sit in my car and call my husband on his phone to get updates.  Four hours of waiting in worry!

Near the end of his visit, my husband stopped answering his phone, and I had no idea what was going on. About an hour later, he walked out of the emergency room as fast as he could.  They wanted to admit him for secondary health issues, and wanted to give him a COVID19 test.  When he declined, and the doctor kept insisting, he decided to sign himself out. 

Thankfully, my husband did receive a prescription for antibiotics.  However, the hospital failed to give him discharge instructions.  When we got home, I had to call the hospital to find out what he needed to do to care for his foot.

It was a nightmare of an experience for both of us.  When I shared about the experience with some friends, I found out that hospitals in Massachusetts and all over the country are denying access to advocates and caretakers, leaving medically fragile people alone, scared, and defenseless.

Some examples include elderly patients with dementia, and the handicapped.

I decided to research more on the Internet and found out that not only are patients not allowed to have an advocate, but many patients were being denied the right to have a Priest give them the Sacrament of the Sick!

I believe this is an abuse of basic human rights, and have decided to reach out to those who also believe this is wrong.  

Has this happened to you?

I'm seeking similar stories from others willing to share their experiences.  Please reach out online:

Email - neveraloneactma@gmail.com

Never Alone Act MA Facebook Page

Never Alone Act MA Facebook Group 

It's going to take a Herculean effort, grassroots support, and much prayer and sacrifice to get this act before the Massachusetts legislature.  Please join me.  Thank you, for your time, attention, and support!