What are you all up to
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I can agree NHS communications are shocking at times. Any patient needs someone who s absolutely on the ball and will politely insist on following up issues. I don’t blame the staff, they are usually overworked and doing their best. Hope things stay positive for you JV👍
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Our NHS should be and used to be wonderful, now sadly not so much. Our granddaughter developed serious problems as she hit her teenage years. Local hospital Dr after a few tests, ‘ I just don’t know but try these things and it might go away’ over a year it just got worse debilitating her whole life. Dr eventually said,’we could try a specialist, but the waiting time is 2 years’ We couldn’t bear to see her so ill and stepped in and paid for a private specialist, he diagnosed her straight away. She now takes a cocktail of tablets 3 times a day, has to use a wheelchair and is still poorly but she can now get out, see friends and has just completed her college course. It was money so well spent, but suppose we couldn’t have managed it. I truly think that she would still have been very, very sick and unable to leave the house, as before. When it works it can be good but it certainly isn’t like it used to be. GPs used to know the family and you often saw the same one, now it’s almost impossible to actually see one at all, mostly over the phone.
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I really feel for those as noted in the last six weeks and two hospitals OH has been in who have no one to question their treatment
if it was not for our Local University 2nd and 3rd year students at the Lister Hospital at Stevenage some wards would not be able to operate and they do not get paid either and still have have to pay their uni fees
At both hospitals there have also been Bank and Agency staff on the wards most days
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Margaret has a possible problem with one of her eyes (probably due to diabetes). The Optician at Boots referred her to the local hospital but two appointments were cancelled and a new one made for 2023!!! She went back to Boots and saw the same optician and she has managed to get things moving but rather than being sent to MK Hospital she has been referred to quasi private/NHS organisations. She has had to fill in a four page questionnaire when all the relevant information is available but not shared. I know some are nervous about the wider sharing of medical records but why can't it be done internally within the NHS. We had the same problem when we have had to go to Bedford for treatment, nothing joined up!
Talking to next door neighbour yesterday, she has a mother in her nineties and had to go to A&E a while back. Very long wait of over six hours! How can that be? Sorry to be political but how can they talk of tax cuts when in truth we probably all need to pay more to get the NHS back to offering a reasonably good service. I appreciate that COVID has had a major impact but it seems worse now than it did during the pandemic. I think more people will be driven to use the private sector but that does depend on whether individuals can afford to do so.
David
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I really feel for your Grandaughter ;OH had a CT scan asked for by one of our GPs nearly three years ago, and it and had appointments at several sevaral clinics to see why she kept falling ,it was only last November that a doctor at the frailty clinic said I am not a neurology doctor but I think I may by looking at your wife CT scan found what may the cause and it was confirmed after he referred her to a neurology clinic,
Even now after her hip problems it is still difficult to make it understood that her insterbilty is more neurological than mechanical
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Sorry to read about health problems and sadly we are all having to cope with an understaffed system. Seems hard to believe such a lack of forward planning from all political parties. I think GP surgeries went into free fall when they had to self manage their own practices, too much to do and all the connecting links fell apart. Our medical centre on my last visit had ivy growing inside the windows, which doesn't bode well for general care and maintenance of the patients...
Anyway good luck to those needing help I hope issues can be sorted.
Just as a light diversion we were out in Langport this morning and the river Parrett looked beautiful in the sunshine. We had a break from gardening, have got to the point of open gardens panic and needed an hour away!
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At last a picture of the pool and I did try it out yesterday it was lovely and refreshing will be in again later after a few chores to do, also a picture of the fox in case anybody did not see it under what have you seen section.
By gum it is hot here today upto 36/37 C even local shopping am was quite hot phew.
Hope all goes ok for your OH JVB.
Enjoy your breaks folks and return trips back home.
As it is starting to get busy around here with holiday folks we have decided not to go away but a few nights in the van here with a view of the pool and hope to be in the van next week just too hot at present 35C inside phew!!!
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Envious, me😁 You bet🤣 Looks lovely.👍
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Yes, that looks great, you'll be glad we all live a good distance away RedKite....
Good to hear the holiday news from those enjoying breaks, have been interested to read the travelogues. Hope the grass isn't man high for those returning!?
Will put a few garden photos on the garden snap shots thread, carefully taken to avoid the wild life nettles etc....
Sorting out the music today, the scones are in hand (even GF ones WN, a local chap has volunteered the baking!) A meeting tonight so more to do.1 -
Have to say I’ve been really lucky over the last five years with our NHS trust whilst treating my skin problems. All appointments, scans, minor ops carried out efficiently including during lockdowns.
Latest incident a few weeks ago when I broke my wrist and had to go to A&E. Total of 3hours and in that time, registered, saw triage, doctor, x-ray, doctor, plastered, x-ray and back to doctor.3pm when I left and the department had dealt with 90 cases. I guess it’s a bit of a postcode lottery really.
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Belated happy birthday Richard and glad to hear that you have had your stitches out and can now get away nellie. Good to hear good news about your NHS treatments OP.
We have had a good day today. We went to Horsey Wind Pump and happily the wildlife boat trips have resumed. We had a wonderful hour and a half. We saw and heard a lark (both ascending and descending), marsh harriers, a grebe on her very precarious nest ( the fourth one she has built this year), several dragonflies and much else. The guy was so knowedgeable.
Good luck with your garden open day brue.
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Edit: we also saw several Norfolk Hawkers.
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I wonder if the fact that the majority of GP surgeries seem to be continuing to use a telephone triage system that many that would have gone to their doctors in person are maybe going to A&E? Having said that Margaret needed to speak to the doctor today and the receptionist said the doctor would start calls at 9.15 am and that she was third on the list so that was helpful. A couple of tests were arranged over the phone and some medication sent to the pharmacy so fairly efficient but not very personal. The trouble is that us old codgers have been used to seeing doctors in person for over 70 years so new ways of doing things do take some getting used to. Having said that I can see that telephone triage is probably a good use of time as the doctor only gets to see people that actually need to be seen? I am sure we have all been in the surgery waiting room and seen people trot off to see the doctor only to emerge about 2 minutes later with a prescription!
David
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Shame I'm not down your way Brue to sample those scones. Don't worry about the nettles getting in the way. I like a bit of wild gardening. Good for the insects.
What better way could there be to start the day than to watch 2 dogs having the time of their life? The CL has a dog agility course next to it, run by the owners DiL, and she was training both the owner and her dog this morning using her own dog as an example. The sheer joy of watching dogs running through tunnels, up and down see-saws and over jumps made us laugh out loud with pure joy.
We then drove the short distance to the RSPB reserve at Lakenheath and had a smashing time of it in glorious weather which fortunately wasn't too hot this morning. Not too many people there either.
Plenty of exotic birdlife and Dragonflies but unfortunately the well named Scarce Chaser eluded us.
After Lakenheath we nipped a couple of miles up the road to Weeting Heath to see the Stone Curlews, something I haven't seen for quite a few years.
Back home for some rest and shower.
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Arrived this afternoon back in the UK.
Currently on what must be the noisiest campsite we have ever had the misfortune to be on.
Its the CCC site at Chipping Norton, why I booked this site I do not know, must have had a senior moment.
Would not recommend it unless you happen to like traffic whizzing past your pitch 10 feet away.
I think we have one of the 4 worst pitches. Completely surrounded by towering 40-50 foot trees, hardly any sky to be seen. Dark and horrible only suitable if you are a mushroom, even the grass is struggling to grow. Thankfully only here the one night.
Tomorrow we will be at Englethwaite Hall for a night, then home on Thursday.
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Mixed sites😁☹️
We are excited here, got friends coming over tomorrow. They are like us, still having to shield and be very selective on visits etc…. But weather is glorious so it’s to be a garden visit and a smashing chance to catch up properly and have a good natter. I did a bit of garden titillating as well, hope they don’t look too close, but we have some wildlife areas as well. OH has nearly finished new steps, so that’s a bonus. Looking for a decent iron monger now to make us some rails.
Called into craft shop, see how sales were going. Quite pleased, staff said visitor numbers were down this last few weeks, folks are worried about bills, fuel prices, so not spending as much on extras, but still I am pleased with my sales, has been worth doing.
My OH has had excellent care from the hospitals he has been in, and all the support staff. Have to say though, we did see some shockingly ungrateful behaviour at times from some people, goodness knows how the staff put up with things at times.
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I've had mixed fortunes on the NHS front.
Up until Covid stuck it's miserable two feet into the works the G.P. I was seeing was super and tried his best to sort out a persistent problem I had. We eventually got that sorted just before Covid struck but now you can't see anyone at the surgery, not that I've had to fortunately but neighbours keep me in touch with matters. Yet when you do step through the door to pick something up there is no-one in the waiting room.
The specialist consultant I saw for my ongoing kidney problems left in 2019 to go home to Malaysia. Shame really as he was very knowledgeable and patient. I then had 2 years of having appointments cancelled. Finally saw someone back in November and again saw someone different a couple of months ago who hadn't even read the notes. I had to tell him what was wrong. Worrying if he's taking the next consultation in August. Hope he's up to speed.
I noticed when I was in hospital for a week in 2019 that staff levels were poor and people weren't getting basic needs looked after. My OH had to bring the food into for me as we couldn't trust the staff to give me the correct food.
So overall I'd only give them a 5/10.
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Sorry to hear that so many of you are having problems with the NHS but it sounds as if your OH, JVB, is now heading in the right direction. I hope so for both your sakes. I think Primary Care in this country is absolutely broken and that's what putting undue pressure on our hospitals - which were struggling to cope anyway. Having had a knee replacement about 10 years ago, Ros is now suffering badly with her other knee, but getting a Doctor to do anything about it - or to even see one - is virtually impossible. It is looking as if the private solution is the only one available.
Thank you for all your birthday wishes - had a lovely lazy day - but made up for it yesterday. We couldn't come 'down south' without visiting our favourite spot of all - but that meant a 130 mile round-trip to Dartmouth. That place has so many happy memories for us - it's just so magical and hasn't really changed in the 50 or so years I have been going there. Really enjoyed our usual visit to the 'DA" (Dartmouth Arms) and sitting outside at Bayard's Cove with a pint and an 'oggy'.
I'm a simple soul
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Dartmouth doesn't change much does it, we always like a wander round. Glad you enjoyed your visit R&R.
We came back from a cancelled meeting yesterday evening and spotted this going over. We seem to be on a hot air balloon route this year.
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Off out for a celebration meal tonight, our granddaughters 18th. Time goes so quickly. We have 6 grandchildren, 5 of them being born within 4 years. Can’t believe 3 of them are now 18 and over.
Granddaughter has just been advised by her college that they are awarding her an Inspirational Award. -They initially told her that she couldn’t do her course as she wouldn’t manage it due to being so unwell. She fought her case and, with many difficulties, completed the course with distinction and a merit - Lovely birthday surprise. Also been told that, if she can take it, she has a place at Uni. Very proud Grandma today.
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After finding out that those at the rehab hospital are only entitled to the minimum amount of physio?(three times a week) I have had a phone call this morning from the hospital manager apology if I misunderstood the way they carry out their rehab and the min three days is what is laid down but my OH is getting in excess of that ,,when I said is it because I have queried it she was very evasive and said each patient is assessed on transfer to them ? Via their previous hospital records ,which I told her I understood that records were not transferred,on transfer, when I said she only has had the minimal amount, she contradicted her previous statement and said assessment is on going?
And she would like to meet me when I visit today
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It does seem odd JVB to send someone to rehab and then not keep up with the required amount of physio to get them more fit before they go home. Although I understand that some may not need physio while there, you would think that for those that do then rehabs main aim is to get them as fit as possible as soon as possible. This also to save on more care and less visits when they do go home. All sounds rather disjointed to me.
I do hope that things work out soon and your OH comes hope a lot better. Remember to take care of yourself as well.
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Thankyou David, it has been a very frustrating few weeks, it really does make one question many aspects of the NHS ,as I am OHs carer ,it has been a real eye opener ,when visiting, and questioning aspects of OHs treatment,,,what of those who do not question or have no one to do so ,treatments or it seems lack of in some areas
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JVB
Having had a hip replacement the amount of Physio you get is pretty limited. I think I had three visits to the house post op and mainly they discussed how I was getting on and offering advice on how much walking I should do. I was very keen to get fit again as quickly as I could but that, of course, varies from patient to patient. When I had a minor knee operation I had six weeks of not very pleasant physio at the hospital! Now I appreciate you OH is in a totally different situation from what you have said on here and I am not trying to compare the two situations as they are obviously very different. Is your OH getting out of bed everyday and doing some walking, however limited? Often its the case of getting confidence back. Just because the physios only visit three times a week they should be leaving instructions on what the regular staff should be doing until their next visit. Any news of when she might be home?
David
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It's been a long haul for both of you JVB. I hope your OH can return home soon and you'll both be able to cope. When a similar thing happened to my Aunt she spent time recuperating in the local community hospital where she practiced walking etc. When she was discharged her home was checked over and equipped with aids. She then had daily visits from home helps but they were there to oversee her progress and help her to be independent again. After a few weeks the visits stopped. I don't know what level of independence your OH can achieve but I hope help will be in place for both of you. My Aunt agreed to having a cleaner once a week, the family arranged it, she'd previously done her own cleaning. She also finally agreed to use a three wheeled walker to go out and about. Everything depends on your circumstances and I hope you will find ways to adapt.
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That has and still is one of the major problems we have had to face as before her accident and hip displacements' we were managing her mobility,, even after her first operation her and I were walking around with her frame, but because it is going to be nearly six weeks of not being mobile she is finding it difficult to to be confident with her mobility ,and she had very little physio at the lister hospital and spent many hours and days either in bed or if lucky and there was staff qualified to do transfers, in the chair beside her bed,
Since my very "inferesting and frank" .meeting this afternoon, it is hoped things might improve ?
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Very well done to your grand-daughter DEBSC. You must be so very proud of her and justifiably so.
We had a lovely morning enjoying the walled garden at Felbrigg which looked wonderful in this glorious weather. We went for a walk on the practically deserted beach later and bumped into some friends who are staying at Seacroft. Their silly young spaniel kept trying to find a way up the cliffs but eventually decided he couldn't and came back down to the beach.
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