Oh Denyce! I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad! Extended family can sometimes be a real thorn in the side when dealing with such issues. And you being so far away certainly compounds the problem. Is there no way the lab will allow you to take some "personal days" or vacation time? This definitely is a family medical emergency!
And as nurse, I can tell you, such behavior, such a response on the part of the staff is unaccepable!!! Your Dad's chart should be "red flagged" with your name on it as his next of kin and 1st to contact. There needs to be someone (not several people) deemed responsible to make decisions in case your father is unable to and you DO NOT have to be there physically.
Have you talked to your Dad about this? I'm sure you don't want to upset him. But it might be helpful if he could mention to the dr., that he wishes you to be contacted in case of an emergency and wishes for you to be kept updated. You might also ask the staff if perhaps there might be a scheduled time to call, when someone in charge of his care, usually the "case manager," on whatever shift, might update you. And at the end of each shift, the departing shift gives "report" to the oncoming crew. ALL of this info. re: your need to be kept updated, the fact that you need to call, should have been passed on.
You won't get anywhere by talking to the hospital administrator as such. But most hospitals nowadays have a patient advocate rep. that intervenes in such cases. You might try contacting them, too via the patient info. office or Social Services. Yes, it can be difficult for the staff to answer all calls that come in from family; some hospitals don't even allow family calls to be transferred to a floor or unit. But, his dr. should be available for you to speak with daily! Do you have his name? Phone number? Most drs. are very willing to discuss the status of a patient with the family, though you might have to wait until later in the day or evening.
I hope and pray your Dad will have a full and quick recovery. I've been going through the same thing with my Dad and empathize with your inability to be there. He's suffering from leukemia and over the past 6 months, has been hospitalized multiple times, in both New York and Florida and I'm in Mass. The staff always took the time to speak with me as well as his drs. which was a blessing.
I'll be praying for your Dad...sending lots of support your way, Denyce. Sandra
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