Tamsulosin- side effects dizzy & high Bp!

Hi, I am not sure demanding is a good idea, just a polite request would do it, that’s all I did… 

My follow up PSA tests after radiotherapy are scheduled for 3 months for 2 years, the first was done by my GP but all subsequent tests involve me travelling 30 miles to a medical centre, big difference to the 5 minute walk to the GP, my health authorities flatly refuses to pay my GP to do the tests, they tell me the blood test are consultant led!

So first test I was told my PSA level, but subsequent tests they will not be revealing them unless there is something wrong.

Which leaves me in cloud cuckoo land.

My cancer support nurse said she would get the results, but today left me a message saying my PSA levels are fine.

I have other problems with my health and need to talk to my GP about them which is getting harder all the time, we get grilled by the receptionist, " why do you want to see the GP, can you tell me why you need to see them" getting past that I am told there are no appointments for weeks, then given a date which is their choice, take it or leave.

This is Scotland where our health services have been limited to our post codes, all medication is supplied by WELL which has led to a three week delay. 

Hello Safeways 

I can't remember where I have seen it - but I have seen it!! johnam put a copy of a letter up from NHS Scotland and I am sure it was to confirm you could have your blood tests done at your GP surgery. By me "tagging" her into this post I am sure she will either re-post it or post a link to it.

Your PSA results are YOUR results. You are entitled to know them, end of story. You need to be gently assertive.

Best wishes - Brian.

My husband asked for a PSA test at his annual review, he asked 3 time and the nurse came up with the usual excuse and then said the Dr hasn't ask for it to be done. My husband asked very nicely and said as he had prostate cancer he needed a test she hadn't even read his notes, by the way his 74 so well over the age to get it done lol

Hi Safeways & Millibob sorry for delay but on holiday . This is the letter 

 NHS Board

www.nhslothian.scot

Date

Our Ref

22 April 2021|

CEW/AL/SD

NHS

Lothian

Dear Primary and Secondary Care Colleagues

BLOOD TESTS ACROSS THE INTERFACE

NHS Lothian is now in a phase of remobilisation and recovery. Restoring routine patient-facing clinical activity to previous levels in the face of ongoing Covid-related limitations will be difficult. Restoration of chronic disease monitoring in primary care and addressing the back log of outpatient clinic appointments in secondary care are examples of where this recovery is challenging. However the need for physical distancing, cleaning and PPE continues to place limitations on available capacity across the whole system.

Monitoring clinics have been set up in Secondary care on various sites; Lauriston, ELCH and SJH to provide access to phlebotomy for their patients, compensating for the loss of some face to face outpatient clinic capacity due to Covid-19 physical distancing restrictions. These clinics help support those secondary care services who have been able to develop telephone or virtual review of patients during the pandemic.

Primary care will continue to honour phlebotomy work on behalf of secondary care, that was agreed and funded prior to the pandemic, including pre-chemo SACT bloods, virtual haematology clinics, PSA monitoring, and bloods for patients who are house bound or part of a shared care agreement. The shared care agreements can be accessed here formulary.nhs.scot/.../

Only in absolutely exceptional circumstances should bloods be requested by secondary care from primary care, and only with the prior agreement of the individual GP who has the right to refuse this request. This must therefore be discussed with the GP prior to advising the patient. Primary care is at capacity, and such exceptional circumstances would primarily be considered for the housebound or severely frail. The expectation is that secondary care will utilise their own resource, including monitoring clinics to organise phlebotomy requested by themselves.

Patients will always prefer to visit their local GP for easier access, and it is widely acknowledged that would be better for the patient journey, but for now, there is limited capacity for primary care to accommodate this. Patients will be disappointed, when there is an unrealistic expectation set that cannot be met. We all want to respect patient choice where we can, but currently this is not feasible for phlebotomy.

All of the above has been agreed and accepted by the Lothian Interface Group and the GP Subcomittee. Please respect these agreements. Collegiate working and understanding of each others capacity is imperative if we are to move out of this pandemic as efficiently and as smoothly as possible. Your consideration of this is greatly appreciated at this time.

Yours sincerely

Quatie thrl

Dr Annie Lomas and Dr Caroline Whitworth

Our Values Into Action

* disability confident

CARER POSITIVE

Emplayer in Scotland

EXEMPLARY

Headquarters

Waverley Gate

2-4 Waterloo Place

Edinburgh EH1 3EG

Interim

Aw thanks for that johnam 

I hope you both had a great holiday.

Kind Regards - Brian.

Thank you Millibob 

we are still on holiday and doing us both the world of good as no bloods till the end of the month . The view from the veranda. 

Well johnam 

That's much better than my view out of the office window (yes I am working, no football until Monday), all I have is a cloudy sky and one of Oldham's "dark satanic mills". (with apologies to William Blake / "Jerusalem").

No holidays booked yet until the last week of August when we are in Scotland. I have a PSA test 16/5 and depending on that we will fit a trip to Turkey in between any appointments it throws up.

johnam said:

we are still on holiday and doing us both the world of good

I am so pleased for you - do enjoy the rest of your break.

Kind Regards - Brian.