Lady in hospital-information appreciated

Hello,

I live in the US and am hoping that someone on this forum can give me some insight and possible suggestions to help a family in need. This is concerning an an ill American woman living in England and I'm hoping that someone might know about services or resources in London area that may be able to provide lodgings for her parents so that they can be closer to their daughter during this very stressful time.

The majority of responses I've received seem to indicate that social services and hospital staff is the best option. That and the US military should have resources in place to help the family. It's the ladies parents who need accommodations nearby and I don't know that military will help them. Her parents are from Ohio.

This family is living in England while the husband is stationed in the Air Force. He, his wife, and their two children live a few hours outside of London. The family was visiting London when the young mother developed severe headaches, had breathing difficulty and was rushed to Charing Cross Hospital. After lengthy testing she was diagnosed with bleeding in the brain, brain lesions, a brain tumor that is attached to her spinal cord and is now in a medically induced coma. Her parents flew to London and their two week hotel stay resulted in a $2300 hotel bill, so needless to say, extended hotel stays are not a financial option.

I don't know if living at their daughters house two hours away is an option. Someone said they spent $100 one way to London; I don't know what mode of transportation was used but I assume they'd rather be closer to their daughter in case of an emergency. Hopefully, in due time, she stabilizes and can be transported closer to home, but in the meantime I'm trying to find a way for the parents to be near their daughter.

There is one room in Charing Cross Hospital for families but unfortunately this was already booked. Does anyone know if local churches, faith-based organizations, or any associations have such resources, such as a network of homes to help families in need?

I couldn't imagine being in the parents situation; concern about expenses would be one thing but worrying about the health and life of my daughter would be another.

Thank you,

Mary

Try macmillians cancer charity.

I would definitely say someone should be talking to the Air Force, services often have guest housing available in areas for families for this type of thing.

Sara and HG,

Thanks, will do.

Can they pop by the PALS (patient advice and liaison service) office - it's role is to offer help, support, information and advice to patients and their relatives, friends and carers -so at the very least, they may be able to give them some information on what to do or where to go for support. 

For Charing Cross:
Walk-in PALS office: Ground floor, main hospital entrance
Open Monday to Friday, 09.30 to 17.00
PALS address: PALS manager, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF
Telephone: 020 3313 0088, from Monday to Friday, 09.30 to 17.00
An answerphone system operates at busy times and out of hours.
Please leave a message and your telephone number and a member of staff will call you back.
Fax: 0203 311 5088
Email: pals@imperial.nhs.uk

phatbeetle,

Thanks. I'll certainly pass this information on.

Thanks to all who've given their input. I was told by several that the best option would probably be through the US military and we may have found an organization that can help.

If the young lady remains stable she's scheduled for surgery this Friday to have her brain tumor removed. Thanks to wonderful forums like this that give hope to those truly in need. Thanks again.