Claim Countess poorly treated drug addict

May 23 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A GRIEVING mum has accused the Countess of Chester Hospital of treating her son differently because he was a drug addict.

Marge Bailey, of Stamford Road, Blacon, said her son Peter, 39, had been suffering for more than a year with stomach pains.

A week before he was admitted to the hospital, he went to the hospital’s Accident and Emergency in agony but left after waiting five hours, she said.

On admission, Peter’s weight was so low he had a BMI (body mass index) of just 13 and could not fight off infection. He was so emaciated he was tested for HIV.

It is claimed that while he was in hospital he contracted pneumonia and C difficile and he died on June 22.

At his inquest on April 14, Dr Nicholas Rheinberg said Peter had died from natural causes to which intravenous drug use contributed.

But Marge says Peter might still be alive today if a vital central catheter to administer painkillers, fluids and nutrients had been set up earlier.

She claims his medical notes revealed it was finally put in 10 days after being suggested.

She added: “Peter needed fluids and food but he couldn’t eat because of the pain. When he tried to eat it just went right through him.

“When he arrived on the ward, one of the nurses told him if he had spent his money on food instead of drugs he wouldn’t be in that state.”

Marge, who has complained to the hospital, said that after a few turbulent years, Peter was trying to get off drugs and get his life together.

He lived just down the road from her in Stamford Road, with his pet terrier, Bud.

Marge added: “When he went to the hospital when I have been with him, you could see the looks on their faces.

“I don’t want people like Peter, who was seriously ill, not being taken seriously just because they also have a drug problem.”

A spokesman for the Countess of Chester, Stephen Winterson, said: “The staff at the Countess are experienced in dealing with patients with drug or alcohol problems.

“Staff are trained to encourage patients to receive treatment and help with their hygiene, but when patients refuse care or help, our staff will not force the patient to receive it.

“It can be difficult for staff to help patients with a history of refusing treatment and discharging themselves against medical advice without receiving treatment.

“We have invited Mrs Bailey to meet the consultant who treated her son to ask any questions she has, as we often find this kind of meeting can be very constructive for grieving relatives. The invitation is still open but Mrs Bailey has not yet accepted this offer.”