Justice desperately needed for all the "Pats": yet another heartbreaking illustration of why we must get single payer!
Last edited Wed Jul 30, 2025, 12:07 AM - Edit history (2)
Took my godson to the General Hospital in our hometown yesterday, and walked out crying, not for him!, but for a lady named Pat. That’s all I know of her name.
My godson and I had been waiting for so many hours in the ER waiting room and it progressively got so crowded as to make me claustrophobic. I noticed there were a few other smaller seating areas that were not as crowded and I asked at the desk if we could move over there, and much to my relief, the answer was yes.
And the dreadful story begins. 
We met Pat, sitting in a wheelchair, definitely in her 80s, and who may have had a stroke, who was there with her son. He had to go do something and she expressed anxiety about him leaving so I leaned over and said “I can keep your mom company until you come back”. Which was fine with the son, as you will find out.
While we talked, Pat, who was definitely confused and didn’t really know where she was, repeated over and over to me how horrible it is to be old, that she wished she was young again, that she was frustrated because the doctors had asked her questions and she couldn’t answer them. Pat also talked about her kids and said that her son was the only one who would take care of her and that she felt scared when he wasn’t there. Pat was also talking about having never been “here” before and said it seemed like a nice place. She asked me if I would be there next week and I hated to tell her no. 
My godson struck up a brief conversation with the son when he returned, and to make a very long story shorter, we found out why he had brought his Mother to the ER. He said it wasn’t safe for Pat at home and that he was poor, AND THIS WAS WHY HE WAS LEAVING HIS MOTHER AT THE HOSPITAL. As if it was a shelter for homeless pets! When the nurse came to get us, I told her about what was happening with Pat and she said “these are the saddest situations.” PLURAL?!?
I asked what would happen to Pat and the nurse told me the hospital would keep her for a week or two and hopefully find a placement for her. HOPEFULLY?!?!?
Yes…I know horrible things are happening everywhere…and we all know it’s just a matter of time till we are confronted directly with, or witness to, them. But my God, having just lost my own darling 92-year-old mom 7 months ago, who lived with me and my kiddo the seven years since my dad’s death and until her own, it.hit.so.hard.
At least two hours later my godson was discharged (a worse situation ruled out, thankfully), and as we were leaving, there was Pat. Sitting all by herself.
My godson was itchy to leave and I did not go over to her. I can still see her sitting there, all alone, right where she had been when I first met her. No sign of her son.
I just can’t stop thinking about Pat, more than 24 hours later. I’ve told a few people the story today. One of my friends said she was surprised that I hadn’t brought Pat home with me (that thought had definitely occurred!) A few hours after I got home yesterday I called the hospital and told the operator what I had witnessed and how concerned I was. She transferred me to the ER, and the very nice person who answered the phone said it was fine to talk for a few minutes. He listened sympathetically and even went so far as to tell me there were five “Pats” on the list he was looking at, which I’m not sure was just the ER or the entire hospital patient list(?) He said this was all he could do for me, and that I should pray for Pat. I asked him to please check on her, and ask other employees to do so too, in light of the circumstances. I also asked if I might call back the next day and talk to a social worker. He said he didn’t see why not. Of course I called my friend, who has worked in healthcare administration for decades, this morning. She told me that if anyone at the hospital gave me any identifying information that it would be illegal. She told me all I could really do was pray for Pat.
Life does have to go on, but I can’t stop thinking about Pat. If she is bound for a public assistance nursing home facility, I would like to visit her. I AM going to call the hospital tomorrow morning and ask to talk with the social worker. I can update this after I do so to let you know what happens. I know there isn’t any way for anyone to really talk me off of this ledge, but then again, it isn’t about me at all. (Well, in the future, it most certainly could be!) I plan to write to our local, state, and federal representative-critters. And of course, I would love for you all to give me any other ideas. Please, keep Pat and everyone else dealing with these dire situations in your thoughts and LET’S SPEAK UP FOR THEM!
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I want to yell and scream about it. I’m so mad. 
And I want to get the eff out of here.
I've been advocating for years for universal healthcare in the US. We can afford to take care of our elderly.
Please let us know any updates on Pat.