A plaintiff cry

'I want to go home!'  How often in my ministry I heard this cry when visiting friends in hospital or care home. In the last few days it's become painfully personal and rather loud. Unfortunately, the consultant on the ward round way back on January 19th announced to Carol that she could go home.  I missed that ward round and was greeted excitedly - 'They say I can go home!'  It was mightily unfortunate because the consultant was only speaking from the medical perspective. The strong antibiotic appears to have greatly reduced the infection so, understandably, the doctor saw Carol's bed was close to liberation for the next patient. Job done.

However, the discharge team has had other ideas. Their testing of Carol's physical condition has revealed worrying weaknesses and led them to place her in need of 'complex care' (that's their term). And setting up complex care means she is still waiting 15 days and counting.  All the time the plaintiff cry continues.

Early on, knowing  how much returning home would help settle her spirits, I campaigned to take her home and continue my homespun care.  However, I was told I would forfeit any chance of 'complex care' and, as time goes on, I now realize she does need more help than I can give. So each day we await good discharge news!

I am grateful for friends' comments and prayers supporting us on the way. Our situation is not uncommon but prayers are very welcome.