Sqad ..

[Elina]

can you tell me what responsibilities of care a doctor or consultant has if an illness is diagnosed in a patient , say a dementia type illness & as a result of that particular illness ... follow up treatment is missed by the patient solely looking after themselves without knowledge to next of kin/ family of that illness?

[alavahalf]

The hospital I have been attending recently, text me the day before each follow up appointment, with a gentle reminder saying.
..." We are looking forward to seeing you at tomorrows appointment" ... This makes it a whole lot easier to not forget and miss an appointment.
Doesn't take much, does it ?

[ladyalex]

No, it doesn't , alavahalf....and I wish this scheme was adopted by all hospitals.
I'm sure it would cut 'failed to attend' rates dramatically .
The current way of working which generally cuts you off from treatment immediately if you miss a hospital appointment seems rather harsh to me.
I know that people have to bear responsibility for their own health, but, when they are unwell, that can sometimes be a 'big ask'.

[Elina]

Hi ala, short term memory loss in this particular case can be forgetting what went on 30 mins beforehand, so in this case, a reminder via mobile wouldn't be feasible x

[Elina]

He can't remember how to use his mobile to be honest. Must be off, thanks again everyone.

[alavahalf]

You have my sympathy as I myself have been on a glut of tablets for the past three weeks and to me it has just been a blur.
On the right side of it now though !

[ladyalex]

I wish you well in sorting this all out, Elina.
Sounds as though you have a job on your hands.

[Elina]

Thanks so much both x Its very emotional for all the family. Goodnight x

[woofgang]

Elina I hope you get the answers you want.