h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Yesterday I had word that the police had phoned my office looking for the next of kin of a work colleague. He had collapsed in the street on the way to visit a client and had been taken to hospital. Another colleague phoned the hospital but the hospital wouldn't say anything and refused to pass on a message.

We are all really worried about him but at the moment we don't actually know if he is alive.

This is very strange and quite upsetting.

I know hospitals have rigorous procedures to protect patient confidentiality, but I'd say they were out of order to say they wouldn't pass on a message, when you already knew the person was there. Your best bet is to contact the next of kin yourself and ask them what's going on.

Pimms for your colleague

That's awful. I hope you manage to get word in or out of the hospital.

Thanks for your concerns.

Update: His brother came into the office a few minutes ago. My colleague is still unconscious and under sedation. He has a very dodgy heart. They are talking about bringing him round this afternoon.

At least he's alive, which we didn't know until now.

Have you tried letting a female colleague phone?

My eldest daughter came across a road accident outside college .. (years ago now)... but the boy had serious head injuries.. she kept hold of his head until the paramedics had checked him out and then only got her to let go when they wanted to move him.

When she eventually got home, she was in shock herself. She could not settle and I phoned the hospital myself.... we only had his name because his girlfriend kept shouting it... I explained the details of the accident and the probable injuries.. and the reception put us through to Intensive Care.

The ward sister spoke to the boys parents and they sent their thanks in return and allowed the sister to give us full details of his condition.. and the expected outcome.. which was surprisingly very good!

There are ways and means of getting information without invading privacy....


Hope your friend is okay


lil xx

Hi Lil, it was a female colleague who phoned. At least we now know which hospital he has been moved to and we can take it from here.

What a heroine you have in your family! Is it the daughter we all know and banter with?

No.. it was her elder sister E.... she had only completed her 3 day First Aid Course the week before, although she has done first aid in Guides etc.

She was awarded the Kays Badge by her First Aid Tutor... she can wear it all the time. In recognition of her remembering and using her skills, more especially for keeping calm.

The boy?

Made a full recovery, and through the college met E and gave her a gift from his grateful parents, she still has it today.... a little locket.


lil xx

That's lovely! I'm not sure if I'd stay calm in the same situation even though I've done the training - well done her!

Glad to hear you have managed to find your friend


lil xx

Lil- well done to E!

Vestboy- you're in my prayers!

Thanks, Scandrea!

*trudges through backlog*

Sad to hear about this, to your friend Vestie...

I hope this turns out for the best

hope it all works out alright

I've had a doy off work today so I can't tell you the latest. But thanks for your kind wishes, everyone.

Fingers crossed for your colleague. I'm glad you got some news, and I hope they're recovering.

Some fairly good news today. Someone visited him in hospital and he was in a chipper mood. The doctors seem to be talking about two options.
Option 1 - Heart Transplant
Option 2 - built in defibrilator.

Now I'd heard of option 1 but option 2 needed some explaining.
A defibrilator is the thing you see paramedics or crash team doctors use to get the heart beating again. With a paddle in each hand they shout "Charging! Stand back!" then whoomf!

Apparently you can have this thing built into you if you have a dicky ticker and then if your heart stops or goes irregular it kicks in. This is different to a pacemaker which keeps your heart at a constant rhythm.

I hope one of the options works for him.

Sounds serious- at least he's got good medical care!

It's very sad. He was a top class sportsman in his youth with Sea Kayaking being his forte. He has awards and stuff. He also used to mountaineer. Now he can't climb a set of stairs without needing to sit down to regain his breath.