life threatening problems.  I am amazed at the lack of coordination of care.  Family members want someone to advocate in the hospital, in person.  I often don't have anyone in the area to go.  But I have success via phone.  Hospitals don't want advocates involved in the care.  It can expose many problems.  So if you can't fins someone local, it still can be done via the phone.   I tell people not to wait too long.  It seems the hospitalists often will string you along.  get someone working for you as soon as you feel things are not what they should be.  In other words if a a hospital stay was supposed to be 5 days and suddenly it is 10 or more, get help.