Elderly Man in Dire Neglect at NHS Hospital Makes Emergency Call from Bed for Relief

In a deeply troubling incident at an NHS hospital, a 73-year-old man experienced such extreme neglect that he resorted to dialing emergency services from his hospital bed, seeking urgent assistance for his unbearable pain. The NHS trust involved has issued a formal apology in light of the distressing situation.

Martin Wild, the patient in question, found himself in a dire situation when his pleas for pain relief went unheeded during his hospital stay. Admitted for a spinal infection, Martin was overwhelmed by the lack of attention from the overstretched medical staff, as detailed by an inquiry into his care. In his desperation, Martin even contacted the hospital’s reception in a futile attempt to secure medication, only to be told that no doctors were available to attend to him due to their preoccupation with other patients.

This ordeal, which Martin endured for eight months, was so severe that one consultant remarked he had never seen a patient so neglected in his 38-year career. Martin’s experience was marred by excruciating delays, including over a week’s wait before a consultant’s evaluation, all while being surrounded by cries for help from other patients.

Martin, from Manchester, initially entered Salford Royal Hospital following a post-operative spinal infection. Despite expressing concerns about his readiness for discharge, he was sent home, only to return shortly after due to escalating pain. The situation in the hospital was grim, with Martin recounting instances of being served meals next to containers of his urine and spending prolonged periods in a bed soiled with urine following a spill.

The severity of Martin’s neglect was further underscored by consultant Glyn Smurthwaite’s assessment and a shocking remark from a staff member comparing Martin’s condition unfavorably even to deceased patients. Martin’s eventual discharge came after significant suffering, including substantial weight loss and undergoing multiple surgeries.

This case highlights the critical challenges faced by the NHS, exacerbated by prolonged underfunding. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, responsible for the hospital, acknowledged the “serious harm” caused to Martin and extended an apology, reflecting on the systemic issues contributing to such dire patient experiences.