treeve
Major Contributor
How Healthy is the Service that you are getting?
This debate was started on denanmor's picture of the Health Area Office c1955.
It seemed much better to debate this in Forum ...
The debate so far...
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:16 AM]
I left one of those surgeries that have announced an amalgamation. I feared that the surgery was putting patients lives at risk. I spent two years writing to tell them of basic mistakes that should be investigated..... In return I got several lovely letters about how wonderful they are doing, and how satisfied their patients are. Eventually after advise from members of of family (all of whom are in the NHS and the lowest ranking is a State registered nurse (matron to you and I)) anyway, I moved. I am at a new surgery and my New doctor did the usual MOT on me and then did some basic checks on my family based on my 9 year old condition. I should add at this point that this is normal practice with surgeries, but with the one I left they didn't do basic checks. In fact not one member of my family had review despite being on medication that had strict review rules.
Anyway the long and short of it... If I hadn't moved surgeries one member of our family wouldn't be here now!
I hope this new surgery amalgamation corrects this kind of slap dash surgery system that my family had to endure for three years. You can rest assure, I have made a formal complaint !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:26 AM]
Current Medical systems rely on a co-existing partnership actually with the patient - pro-active patients are able to get better attention and better results, because of the input of personal experience of the ailment. The Doctor does not have to rely on the top twenty lists for diagnosis and for treatment. I make sure that I prepared a diary of feelings, experiences, blood pressure readings, etc, etc. I ensures the doctor has a check list (which they appreciate) and it saves the patient having to try and remember just what it was that they had to say in the first place. Be Aware, Think, Write it out clearly. Since I moved to another surgery, it has been perfect. The previous doctor lived in the old world and did not like patients that asked questions or offered statements. Well - remember this .. It is your body.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:31 AM]
Am I to deduce that you also experienced poor medical attention from a local doctors surgery (likely but not necessarily one of the four due to amalgamate) to the point that you moved surgeries?
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:53 AM]
My doctor did not listen to me, was clearly wanting me to get out within my alotted 8 minutes, hurried over to the desk, scribbled out a prescription and said, I want you to take these ... No explanation of what they were, what they did, what side effects, etc ...
They turned out to be diuretics, not without some serious side effects; Having rushed to the surgery (because I was late having had two very strong black coffees whilst discussing a situation on site) it was not surprising that my blood pressure was high - I get 'white coat syndrome' in any case. I was furious at being treated as if I was an idiot, willing to take into my body something that was not explained or necessary. I changed surgeries. Best move I made ... the man listens and comes up with the goods - he remembers things from months past we discussed. Intelligent.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:19 AM]
WOW! 8 minutes.... you had it made! January the surgery I left started a triage scheme. To them it meant that they could sort out the most needed patients. To the Patients it meant that they can no longer see the doctor. Apparently 12 people leave this surgery a day on averaged.
I cannot count the amount of times that my family have made an appointment and been told that a nurse will do...... get to the appointment and told by the nurse that she isn't qualified to assist.... and I'll make an appointment for you to see a doctor.
On one occasion a junior nurse sent away a member of my family because she thought the doctors was mistaken. He/She was due to give a blood sample after a 12 hour fast. Got to the surgery to be turned away by the nurse (who was just a phlebotomist, come to think of it that's not even a nurse).
Later it turned out that the cancelled appointment was crucial to his/her health. Later they suffered heart problems that required an operation. This would have been discovered earlier on if the phlebotomist hadn't pulled rank on the doctor.
Don't start me on this......I have real issues with this surgery.
Our new surgery is superb. We can ask to, and get to see the doctor. We can ask for a repeat prescription and get it. When we see the phlebotomist she remembers who she is and what level she is qualified to conduct her practice.
Hell in our last surgery it was so often the case that nobody was at reception the patients organised themselves........ I cannot begin to impress on you how likely this practice we left is likely to have a fatality due to professional misconduct.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:37 AM]
I have a lot to say about the practice I left.... but shouldn't..... it's a little bit like R.E.M. "I've said too much, I haven't said enough" But when your new doctor say's to you.... "oh my god why are you on these"? "Long term they are known to cause Parkinsons, how long have you been on them"? and I reply 10 years.... you get a little upset!
Look I'm going to get off this subject if that's ok with you.... It's turned me a bit negative and the subject of this practice has turned me quite bitter........ and that's not what the site is about. Anyway, I should consider the other patients who know no better and take the advise, treatment and general malpractice in their daily stride.... my thoughts are with them.
Good to let off a bit of steam though.... Boy I feel better already!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:51 AM]
It is good to have a rant ... so long as it does not become an obsession and is distracting and/or something which causes the individual more stress than is a sensible level. All I know is that now I can choose which doctor to see, when to see them within a rota/diary. I usually can see any doctor within an hour (often my specific doctor), a choice the next day, or my specific doctor 2 or three days time. Since I am aware enough, I do not leave it until the emergency services are on call. Another case where pro-active is necessary for yourself. My wife was once prescribed a drug. As is usual with me, I look and inspect and search; I discovered it was the same drug she was on and two doses of that would have fried her then. With care and with some excellent websites, we do not need to be experts, but can read, write and ask. Certainly I would not do not advise taking medication on your own ... just ask - they will answer.
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:56 PM]
sounds to me as if the national health service is gone to pot !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 02:21 PM]
The National Health Service has only recently laid out the guidelines which are enacted by my 'new surgery'. It is the other surgeries that are failing the patients. Also it has to be remembered that for a momentary lapse of reason, we have separate health trusts, who basically cannot be trusted to look after chickens, let alone patients. Too many chiefs, too many non-qualified in health terms on their controlling boards - the staff are fine, but controls from the top are based on performanace and costs. There was a time when we had a word 'Service' in many areas of society - that word and object has been dropped. It is therefore more important for the patient to become pro-active, and this present government has recognised that fact and have advised the public so to do.
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:07 PM]
Did I read this right that they no longer administer heart "repair" work to patients over 59 years of age ? because of costs !! I believe I read this on line a few days ago in relation to a proposed national service in this country which I dont think will work....
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:39 PM]
If that is the case, then I am stuffed ... but there are two sides to this ...
On one side there is pressure from some trusts for economy and effectiveness in treatment in relation to costs. Performance related.
On the other side .. do not believe everything you read in the popular press. It is largely media hype to gain readership from the gullible populus. This obviously needs clarification of some kind, but I have discovered that behind each newspaper or TV report lies a grain of truth (and you can take that anyway you like as to my deliberately ambiguous meaning).
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:54 PM]
I was curious on reading that, my wife who underwent triple bypass a few years ago suffered another heart attack back in february she had a stent placed in her heart to open up a 95% blockage in a cardiac blood vessel...we were thinking of a trip across the pond next year,
when one reads of such it causes one to maybe reconsider the visit to the homeland !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:59 PM]
Actually this is a fascinating debate, probably one best continued in the Forum section.
I remember listening to Radio Bucarest in 1977, a country driven by ideals that have changed, but then, along with other countries, they were very high on profilactic treatment and in health & fitness; it is only now that Britain is seeing prevention as well as care.
The NHS has been raised phoenixwise by the later efforts of present government from the embers and ashes of a previous regime. Just remember that when the media slams the NHS. There are many reasons why health is in general decline. But I do not lay that fact at the doorstep of the NHS, some surgeries, yes. But, the patient has to learn to not be complacent and cud-chewing - get out there and say something and/or do something.
================
So, what is your experience?
What is your take on it?
Are you happy with the service you are getting - if not, tell everyone.
If you are happy - tell everyone ......
This debate was started on denanmor's picture of the Health Area Office c1955.
It seemed much better to debate this in Forum ...
The debate so far...
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:16 AM]
I left one of those surgeries that have announced an amalgamation. I feared that the surgery was putting patients lives at risk. I spent two years writing to tell them of basic mistakes that should be investigated..... In return I got several lovely letters about how wonderful they are doing, and how satisfied their patients are. Eventually after advise from members of of family (all of whom are in the NHS and the lowest ranking is a State registered nurse (matron to you and I)) anyway, I moved. I am at a new surgery and my New doctor did the usual MOT on me and then did some basic checks on my family based on my 9 year old condition. I should add at this point that this is normal practice with surgeries, but with the one I left they didn't do basic checks. In fact not one member of my family had review despite being on medication that had strict review rules.
Anyway the long and short of it... If I hadn't moved surgeries one member of our family wouldn't be here now!
I hope this new surgery amalgamation corrects this kind of slap dash surgery system that my family had to endure for three years. You can rest assure, I have made a formal complaint !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:26 AM]
Current Medical systems rely on a co-existing partnership actually with the patient - pro-active patients are able to get better attention and better results, because of the input of personal experience of the ailment. The Doctor does not have to rely on the top twenty lists for diagnosis and for treatment. I make sure that I prepared a diary of feelings, experiences, blood pressure readings, etc, etc. I ensures the doctor has a check list (which they appreciate) and it saves the patient having to try and remember just what it was that they had to say in the first place. Be Aware, Think, Write it out clearly. Since I moved to another surgery, it has been perfect. The previous doctor lived in the old world and did not like patients that asked questions or offered statements. Well - remember this .. It is your body.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:31 AM]
Am I to deduce that you also experienced poor medical attention from a local doctors surgery (likely but not necessarily one of the four due to amalgamate) to the point that you moved surgeries?
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 12:53 AM]
My doctor did not listen to me, was clearly wanting me to get out within my alotted 8 minutes, hurried over to the desk, scribbled out a prescription and said, I want you to take these ... No explanation of what they were, what they did, what side effects, etc ...
They turned out to be diuretics, not without some serious side effects; Having rushed to the surgery (because I was late having had two very strong black coffees whilst discussing a situation on site) it was not surprising that my blood pressure was high - I get 'white coat syndrome' in any case. I was furious at being treated as if I was an idiot, willing to take into my body something that was not explained or necessary. I changed surgeries. Best move I made ... the man listens and comes up with the goods - he remembers things from months past we discussed. Intelligent.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:19 AM]
WOW! 8 minutes.... you had it made! January the surgery I left started a triage scheme. To them it meant that they could sort out the most needed patients. To the Patients it meant that they can no longer see the doctor. Apparently 12 people leave this surgery a day on averaged.
I cannot count the amount of times that my family have made an appointment and been told that a nurse will do...... get to the appointment and told by the nurse that she isn't qualified to assist.... and I'll make an appointment for you to see a doctor.
On one occasion a junior nurse sent away a member of my family because she thought the doctors was mistaken. He/She was due to give a blood sample after a 12 hour fast. Got to the surgery to be turned away by the nurse (who was just a phlebotomist, come to think of it that's not even a nurse).
Later it turned out that the cancelled appointment was crucial to his/her health. Later they suffered heart problems that required an operation. This would have been discovered earlier on if the phlebotomist hadn't pulled rank on the doctor.
Don't start me on this......I have real issues with this surgery.
Our new surgery is superb. We can ask to, and get to see the doctor. We can ask for a repeat prescription and get it. When we see the phlebotomist she remembers who she is and what level she is qualified to conduct her practice.
Hell in our last surgery it was so often the case that nobody was at reception the patients organised themselves........ I cannot begin to impress on you how likely this practice we left is likely to have a fatality due to professional misconduct.
Halfhidden [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:37 AM]
I have a lot to say about the practice I left.... but shouldn't..... it's a little bit like R.E.M. "I've said too much, I haven't said enough" But when your new doctor say's to you.... "oh my god why are you on these"? "Long term they are known to cause Parkinsons, how long have you been on them"? and I reply 10 years.... you get a little upset!
Look I'm going to get off this subject if that's ok with you.... It's turned me a bit negative and the subject of this practice has turned me quite bitter........ and that's not what the site is about. Anyway, I should consider the other patients who know no better and take the advise, treatment and general malpractice in their daily stride.... my thoughts are with them.
Good to let off a bit of steam though.... Boy I feel better already!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:51 AM]
It is good to have a rant ... so long as it does not become an obsession and is distracting and/or something which causes the individual more stress than is a sensible level. All I know is that now I can choose which doctor to see, when to see them within a rota/diary. I usually can see any doctor within an hour (often my specific doctor), a choice the next day, or my specific doctor 2 or three days time. Since I am aware enough, I do not leave it until the emergency services are on call. Another case where pro-active is necessary for yourself. My wife was once prescribed a drug. As is usual with me, I look and inspect and search; I discovered it was the same drug she was on and two doses of that would have fried her then. With care and with some excellent websites, we do not need to be experts, but can read, write and ask. Certainly I would not do not advise taking medication on your own ... just ask - they will answer.
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 01:56 PM]
sounds to me as if the national health service is gone to pot !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 02:21 PM]
The National Health Service has only recently laid out the guidelines which are enacted by my 'new surgery'. It is the other surgeries that are failing the patients. Also it has to be remembered that for a momentary lapse of reason, we have separate health trusts, who basically cannot be trusted to look after chickens, let alone patients. Too many chiefs, too many non-qualified in health terms on their controlling boards - the staff are fine, but controls from the top are based on performanace and costs. There was a time when we had a word 'Service' in many areas of society - that word and object has been dropped. It is therefore more important for the patient to become pro-active, and this present government has recognised that fact and have advised the public so to do.
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:07 PM]
Did I read this right that they no longer administer heart "repair" work to patients over 59 years of age ? because of costs !! I believe I read this on line a few days ago in relation to a proposed national service in this country which I dont think will work....
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:39 PM]
If that is the case, then I am stuffed ... but there are two sides to this ...
On one side there is pressure from some trusts for economy and effectiveness in treatment in relation to costs. Performance related.
On the other side .. do not believe everything you read in the popular press. It is largely media hype to gain readership from the gullible populus. This obviously needs clarification of some kind, but I have discovered that behind each newspaper or TV report lies a grain of truth (and you can take that anyway you like as to my deliberately ambiguous meaning).
welb1931 [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:54 PM]
I was curious on reading that, my wife who underwent triple bypass a few years ago suffered another heart attack back in february she had a stent placed in her heart to open up a 95% blockage in a cardiac blood vessel...we were thinking of a trip across the pond next year,
when one reads of such it causes one to maybe reconsider the visit to the homeland !!
treeve [Jul 05, 2009 at 03:59 PM]
Actually this is a fascinating debate, probably one best continued in the Forum section.
I remember listening to Radio Bucarest in 1977, a country driven by ideals that have changed, but then, along with other countries, they were very high on profilactic treatment and in health & fitness; it is only now that Britain is seeing prevention as well as care.
The NHS has been raised phoenixwise by the later efforts of present government from the embers and ashes of a previous regime. Just remember that when the media slams the NHS. There are many reasons why health is in general decline. But I do not lay that fact at the doorstep of the NHS, some surgeries, yes. But, the patient has to learn to not be complacent and cud-chewing - get out there and say something and/or do something.
================
So, what is your experience?
What is your take on it?
Are you happy with the service you are getting - if not, tell everyone.
If you are happy - tell everyone ......
