Our not so wonderful NHS

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Long post, rant. Please do not feel that you have to read or respond. 


Some of you may know about the problems my daughter has been facing, trying to see an ENT consultant through the NHS. This all started last October, when my daughter was given telephone consultations for 3 months with her GP, and endless antibiotics before I stepped in and insisted she was seen in January. One look at her throat and she was put on a 2 week referral to ENT. They diagnosed an embedded tonsil stone, gave her medication and said they would see her again in 4 weeks time. In April after not hearing from them, she phoned to say that her symptoms had got worse, she was now losing weight and finding it hard to swallow. 2 days later an appointment arrived……The appointment was made for her for the previous March. Dated the 22nd April, but the appointment was for 3 weeks previously.The hospital have admitted this mistake, but say that as she missed her appointment they now cannot see her until August 2023. Even though it was pointed out that my daughter is not a time traveller so would never been able to get to her appointment. 

She has been in so much pain, and now has ulcers all across her throat as well as swollen tonsils. We have complained to PALS who are carrying out an investigation, they can see that the March appointment was not made until April, but currently her appointment is still for 15 months time with Doctor P.

Today I phoned a private clinic and have now got her an appointment for 2 weeks time……with Doctor P. The same consultant who cannot see her through the NHS until August of next year. 

When did our NHS become so bad? How many people who have cancer symptoms are being fobbed off with telephone consultations without seeing the doctor. I myself have not seen my GP or consultant for 2 years. I have had blood tests, ct scans, X-rays, but all consultations are over the phone. Not one person in all this time has listened to my wheezy chest or carried out any physical examination. I phoned my GP this week to say I needed some inhalers, and as these were not on my repeat prescription the receptionist would not let me order them. I still cannot believe that my GP asked me what I thought was causing my breathlessness…..”oh I don’t know”,  said I, “maybe my lung cancer! “

  • There's nothing really that can be said Chelle. Get your daughter sorted and then drive the guilty people mad with emails and letters. Get some satisfaction from their display of incompetence.

    Why are you breathless? That is a dont know whether to laugh or cry job!I

  • I just laugh Ted, not wasting my time on tears xx 

    Chelle 

    Try to be a rainbow,in somebody else's cloud
    Maya Angelou

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  • Oh Chelle, i fill your pain, it is not easy, i had a problem since Feb, five times to the gp know can only see nurse, got no where  then demanded i see my gp, she gets paid for seeing me, and yes i did, and then another gp came in as well, talk about buy one get one free.

    Right DVT  clinic, and blood tests, three weeks antibiotics, some time enough is enough and you hve to stand your ground, Our Gp and NHS is not  the same breaking point, glad you have appointment now.

    Take Care Ellie x

  • I’m so sorry Ellie, it is very frustrating, you should be able to see a GP and not have to argue your case. I worry for those who cannot get an appointment and give up trying xx 

    Chelle 

    Try to be a rainbow,in somebody else's cloud
    Maya Angelou

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  • Hi Chelle, I thought I was having problems with my GP, but it pails into insignificants against yours.

    All the best Ulls

  • Hi Chelle,

    That sound awful for your daughter and you. Good job you are assertive and glad  that you could, but sad that you needed to pay privately. I just get angry that there is a reason we are in this state and if we are encouraged to lose faith in the NHS , things just get worse. Lay the blame for incompetence where is lies, and there is no excuse for the appointent dates and letter mix up, but there is a clear culprit for the run down of services, and deliberate undermining of staff morale, numbers and funding, and it is not covid but a series of Govt decisions and incompetent and inept health secretaries, and PMs.

    Hope your daughter gets sorted soon.

    Rantily yours

  • Oh Chelle....that's horrible.. She must feel so bad and helpless. I'm glad i don't life there. The longest you have to wait here for a specialist is 90 days. But with your daugthers pain and suffering she should see someone immideatly. ( sorry bad english) . 

    So if you go private now, and PALS find out it wasn't your fault, can you get the money back?? Fingers crossed they can sort your girl out!!! 

  • Oh dear chelle what a time you are having, you should give them hell and if you do it smiling they will find it difficult to ignore you. We all need a rant now and again it’s get we have this space and can support each other, take care sending you hugs xxx

    Donna

  • No I'm afraid not Pet, PALS will apologise I am sure, but there will be compensation for us going private. I just need her looking at now, it is awful seeing your child in tears because she is in pain. xx 

    Chelle 

    Try to be a rainbow,in somebody else's cloud
    Maya Angelou

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  • Thank you, Donna. I know there are many people far worse off than my daughter,  but a good rant is needed at times xx 

    Chelle 

    Try to be a rainbow,in somebody else's cloud
    Maya Angelou

    Community Champion badge