Wonderful Service From The Nhs .. Or Not

[naomi24]

Yesterday morning I went for repeat blood tests - the last on three issues were returned as 'abnormal'.  This morning at 10am the GP's receptionist called to say the results are back.  Wow!   Less than 24 hours.  That's quick!

 

Just one snag.  If the results were clear, the receptionist would have told me so I know something isn't right but I've got to wait two weeks for a doctor to call me and tell me what's wrong.  Mad innit.

 

Not a question.  Just venting frustration.  

[hellywelly4]

Perhaps the doctor has looked at the results and decided that it's 'nothing serious' but needs to be talked about. If it was really serious I'm sure they would be in contact really quickly. Still worrying for you though. Hope it all out ok for you. 

[hellywelly4]

'turns out'

[naomi24]

Thanks hellywelly.  It's just the time everything seems to take now.  Whereas a few years ago there was a walk-in service for blood tests we now have to wait a month for an appointment and the service from GPs is an unfunny joke.  They can't even give me an indication of the time I might expect the call from a doctor.  Any time between 8.30 and 6.  I really don't know what changed since Covid but whatever it is it isn't for the better.  Appalling service.  If I suddenly disappear within the next fortnight you'll know I'm dead.  ;o)))

[barry1010]

We are very lucky with blood tests.  I can book online and choose from six venues, one in a large shopping centre with plenty of free parking open 7 days a week.  Usually same day appointments.  

Can check the results online within a couple of days, too

[gulliver1]

 11.20 Naomi, wasn't it The Tory party ..David Cameron who said The NHS is safe in our hands..seems not the case ,by your post.

[naomi24]

The government doesn't run the NHS, gulliver.  They just chuck money at it.

[Old_Geezer]

You should think yourself lucky you got a call. My experience is that the NHS may send you for tests but if you want any information regarding the results you have to go badger them, as they don't see you as being worth bothering further with. You only pay the tax to keep the system going.

[naomi24]

They often don't call if nothing is wrong, OG, because there's nothing to say I suppose.  

[gulliver1]

Naomi 11.40 "The Government do not run the NHS"

The Secretary of state for health is responsible for overall financial control and oversight of the NHS delivery and performance ...I don't drive the bus . but I own the bus company.

[naomi24]

You said it gulliver.  You don't drive a bus ....

[Hazlinny]

The waiting game isn't nice Naomi - always at the back of one's mind as to what, if anything, is wrong.  Having said that, I have nothing but praise for the staff at my local Health Centre in Scotland  ... sometimes an appointment can be given same day or following day, same with telephone call from GP.  What I do find a bit annoying is that it is difficult to get own and liked GP as he/she is only there two days a week!

[Khandro]

I hope it is going to be ok naomi. I agree with hellywelly, if there was any real problem you would have been told pdq.

I still dine out on your story of despite being in pain, having to wait four weeks just to speak to a doctor via the telephone.

Can you not change your doctor?

[naomi24]

My foot was like a balloon and I could hardly walk then, Khandro.   Thank goodness for the private sector!

 

I can't change doctors.  I live in the country and they're few and far between - literally.

[naomi24]

PS.  Just in case anyone took my little joke seriously ... I don't really think I'm dying.  :o)

[Patsy33]

Perhaps there should be a message on file concerning recall about blood tests, like, nothing of great concern e.g. At least it would put patient's minds at rest. Anyway, I hope it's nothing too concerning, Naomi. 

[naomi24]

Thanks Patsy.

[gulliver1]

12.06 Naomi .Neither does Boris, he just paints graffiti lies on the sides of them .Especially the red  ones🤣lol.

[youngmafbog]

Gawd, not even on the bus.

[retrocop]

About 3 weeks ago I  was booked in for the first of a series of three colonoscopys.I had compled with the bowel prep and fasting with the extensive list of what not to eat or drink etc the previous 3 days. I presented my self to the unit at 0900 and was cannulated and gowned up. A nurse led me to a bed in the recovery ward and I was told I would be collected and taken to the scope room.I was supposed to be 2nd on the morning list.

Whilst lying on the bed I watched several patients coming and going. A shout came up 'Emergency' and a young porter grabbed the bed in the bay oppisite and hurled it down the ward on it's wheels. A bed was rushed in in it's place with an elderly woman on board. A few attendant doctors and nurses were arround the bed shouting instructions. Her curtains were drawn and I subsequently learnt she suffered a reaction when the sedadion was administered to her. My curtains were also drawn. After an hour it would appear the casualty was stabilised and she was taken to the emergency admittance ward. It became quiet and I drew back my curtains. There were 2 young nurses in the now empty bed space opposite. They looket me like startled rabbits caught in the car headlamps, "who are you?" they asked. I told them I was one of their patients." Have you had your procedure done?" "Not yet" I replied, "I am still waiting".They both scuttled off and the unit sister turned up. She asked when did I arrive and I told her I checked in at 0900. It was,by now, 1550. She then said," I'm very sorry we will have to reschedule you procedure all the doctors have gone home" I told her the unit was a farce and suggested I remove my own bloody cannular as I doubted there was any one left who could remove it. 

Although booked in in the morningI got out at nearly 1700 without my procedure done.When my wife picked me up ( retired endoscopy nurse at another hospital) she was incandescent and reminded the sister of her resposibilitys to patient care and fire precautions etc.I am contiually disappointed with the performance of our local NHS and God knows I am on enough appointments On 3rd October I was supposed to see the head cardic consultant to discuss my much needed heart surgery. It was cancelled because of the doctors strike.I still await his consultation.

Good luck and best wishes naomi for your results.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh there's plenty to say, starting with putting your mind at rest and following up with suggesting an appointment to look into what else might be causing the issue. Presently it's a case of staying quiet and presumably hoping you'll stay away.