Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

Lack of access to vital aftercare

Posted By Adopted Scot

"Lack of access to vital aftercare"

About: East Kilbride Locality Support Service / Adult and Older People's Social Work Team University Hospital Monklands / Renal (Ward 1)

(as a relative),

Tragically, my wife died of pulmonary embolism that caused cardiac arrest three weeks after discharge from hospital.  She had been making good progress in her recovery from the kidney stone and infection although still suffering pain, but then passed away very suddenly which shocked everyone.

Social work can be commended in providing a quick response just before Christmas with practical help and this certainly helped in recovery.  She commented about a swollen ankle several days before she died and in retrospect I should have picked that up and called the GP.

Looking back, I feel she might have survived had she received physiotherapy assistance to get her out of bed and moving more. Nothing can be done now, but we should all learn the lesson that long periods of bed rest is dangerous and health services should bend over backwards to ensure patients receive vital physiotherapy aftercare.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Julie Magee, Fieldwork Manager, Adult & Older People Services - EK, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership 3 days ago
Julie Magee
Fieldwork Manager, Adult & Older People Services - EK,
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 20/03/2026 at 15:33
Published on Care Opinion at 15:51

I am very sorry to hear of the sad loss of your wife, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. I am glad to hear that the practical support provided by Social Work was helpful to your wife during what must have been an extremely difficult time for you all.

I acknowledge the risks you raised in associated with prolonged periods in bed during hospital stays. Supporting mobilisation both during admission and following discharge is a key focus for Health Services, and I would like to reassure you that your concerns have been noted and passed to the physiotherapy service based at University Hospital Monklands for their consideration going forward.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, and please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your wife.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Therese McKenzie, Team Lead Physiotherapist, ICST EK Physiotherapy, South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership 4 hours ago
Therese McKenzie
Team Lead Physiotherapist, ICST EK Physiotherapy,
South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 23/03/2026 at 12:59
Published on Care Opinion at 13:08

Dear Adopted Scot,

Firstly, I’m very sorry to hear of your wife’s death and the circumstances surrounding this. This must have been a terrible shock for you and your family.

I am thankful that our Social Work colleagues were able to respond quickly with the practical help you and your wife needed. I am pleased you found this to aid her recovery.

I am unsure why Physiotherapy services were not involved in your wife’s care at the time and I am deeply sorry that, as a result, you are left with a feeling that Physiotherapy input may have prevented any further health issues for your wife or indeed that she may have survived had she had this.

In Physiotherapy, we promote physical activity and independence and we recommend avoiding extended periods of inactivity, when possible, for lots of reasons- one being to avoid circulatory issues as experienced by your wife. It is clear you are advocating for Physiotherapy input as a vital part of after-care. I am very sorry that we have not been able to provide this for your wife.

It would be good to speak with you to discuss in more detail, if you feel it would be helpful.

Please contact me on my work mobile 0777 616 3921.

Kindest wishes,

Therese.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k