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I damaged my arm ice skating on Friday, by this morning it was so swollen that I thought I ought to get it checked.
I turned up at our GP at 8:20 (they don't do appointments); by 8:40 I'd been seen, given a prescription for antibiotics (which don't cost us in Wales), and referred to A & E; by 9:45 I'd been seen at A & E, had an X-ray, been advised that nothing was broken, seen another doctor, shown how to tie a sling and been given one, and discharged.
The system is hopeless, I tell you, hopeless. The sooner they privatise it and make it so much more efficient the better.
I turned up at our GP at 8:20 (they don't do appointments); by 8:40 I'd been seen, given a prescription for antibiotics (which don't cost us in Wales), and referred to A & E; by 9:45 I'd been seen at A & E, had an X-ray, been advised that nothing was broken, seen another doctor, shown how to tie a sling and been given one, and discharged.
The system is hopeless, I tell you, hopeless. The sooner they privatise it and make it so much more efficient the better.
In reply to Chris Craggs: My hand, arm and elbow are so inflamed that the GP thought that it might be infected as well, the A & E Doc didn't disagree. my elbow has a lump on it the size of an egg! (Though you may not wish to know that.)
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Are you sure you haven't got some sort of half chicken, half man growing in your arm?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Couldn't agree with you more. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, went into hospital, had an operation and am now fit again. Appalling service I tell you, particularly as they kept me fully informed all through and didn't charge me a penny.
Couldn't agree with you more. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, went into hospital, had an operation and am now fit again. Appalling service I tell you, particularly as they kept me fully informed all through and didn't charge me a penny.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
The 3 occasions in the last couple of years when my family have really needed the NHS they have come up trumps. I think they do amazing things considering all you read about financial and red tape constraints and we are very lucky to have them.
When you deal with the volume of people that they do it's statistically inevitable that there will be problems along the way. It's just that NHS 'cock-ups' make a better story in a paper than the millions who are given perfectly adequate care and go on with their lives better for it!
Nurses are mainly incredible people who put up with things most of us would not be able to handle, all on very low pay. They have my undying respect!!
Chris
The 3 occasions in the last couple of years when my family have really needed the NHS they have come up trumps. I think they do amazing things considering all you read about financial and red tape constraints and we are very lucky to have them.
When you deal with the volume of people that they do it's statistically inevitable that there will be problems along the way. It's just that NHS 'cock-ups' make a better story in a paper than the millions who are given perfectly adequate care and go on with their lives better for it!
Nurses are mainly incredible people who put up with things most of us would not be able to handle, all on very low pay. They have my undying respect!!
Chris
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Ahh, boundless optimism.
> The sooner they privatise it and make it so much more efficient the better.
Ahh, boundless optimism.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Spider egg, quail egg or ostrich egg or somewhere in between?
> (In reply to Chris Craggs) My hand, arm and elbow are so inflamed that the GP thought that it might be infected as well, the A & E Doc didn't disagree. my elbow has a lump on it the size of an egg!
Spider egg, quail egg or ostrich egg or somewhere in between?
In reply to Blue Straggler: Hen, definitely a hen.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Not sure exactly what your complaining about. Assuming the diagnosis is correct. You turned up first thing at a GP's for an injury that you could reasonably expect to be X-rayed and you probably know a GP surgery won't have an x-ray machine. They referred you to the hospital where you were seen before morning coffee. Sounds like fairly good service to me.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I went to a presentation the other day about a pioneering new scheme in Sheffield which integrates services and improves patient care. Disgraceful.
I went to a presentation the other day about a pioneering new scheme in Sheffield which integrates services and improves patient care. Disgraceful.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Skating? We should make people pay for their treatment when the injuries are self-inflicted.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I agree, two years ago I got really ill and went to the GP for some anti-biotics, when they didn't work and I felt worse I went back and got reffered to the hospital. In hospital my condition deteriorated and after a day I was put on a ventilator and rushed to an intensive care unit in a nearby hosptial by hospital, escorted by a doctor. For 5 days I was supervised 1:1 by a specialist nurse 24/7. After touching death I pulled through. For the next month I remained in hospital care, being seen by many specialists to treat the damage to my lungs from pneumonia, including Doctors, Nurses, Nurse practitioners and Physiotherapists. The care continued after I left hospital, with continued monitoring of my health by GPs and continued support from physiotherapists.
The only thing I had to pay money for was £7.20 for some anti-biotics. I wonder why there's calls to turn it into a pay-for system? Obviously because it's not functioning, and not because there's alot of money to be made from desperate people whose family memeber is about to die... I reckon my family would gladly have signed the deeds to the house over just to buy me a nights care at my worst. It's disgusting the political monouvering currently occuring.
The only thing I had to pay money for was £7.20 for some anti-biotics. I wonder why there's calls to turn it into a pay-for system? Obviously because it's not functioning, and not because there's alot of money to be made from desperate people whose family memeber is about to die... I reckon my family would gladly have signed the deeds to the house over just to buy me a nights care at my worst. It's disgusting the political monouvering currently occuring.
In reply to Andy DB: *holds up sarcasm sign*
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I can't believe they didn't amputate. It's the only way to be certain that such an injury won't reoccur.
I can't believe they didn't amputate. It's the only way to be certain that such an injury won't reoccur.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
It's weird - The Cumberland Infirmary at Carlisle is a failing hospital .... how come whenever I or one of my family go there we get looked after, recieve appropriate treatment and are treated with care and respect.
Agree the system is hopelessly broken.
It's weird - The Cumberland Infirmary at Carlisle is a failing hospital .... how come whenever I or one of my family go there we get looked after, recieve appropriate treatment and are treated with care and respect.
Agree the system is hopelessly broken.
In reply to Andy DB: Er... your irony detector needs new batteries. For the avoidance of doubt I can't imagine how I could possibly have received better, faster, more efficient or friendlier service, however much I had paid - which in this case, of course, was zero.
It's just nice being able to report when things go so right.
It's just nice being able to report when things go so right.
In reply to Andy DB: I think you missed the point, have you never heard of irony?
In reply to cander:
Yeah, but more people die in hospitals than schools.
We should send old people to schools, to save them.
And kids to hospitals, so they can learn about the real world.
>
> Agree the system is hopelessly broken.
> Agree the system is hopelessly broken.
Yeah, but more people die in hospitals than schools.
We should send old people to schools, to save them.
And kids to hospitals, so they can learn about the real world.
In reply to Al Evans:
Is than when I have two metal rods. One is brass the other is stainless steel. The s/s rod is more irony?
> (In reply to Andy DB) I think you missed the point, have you never heard of irony?
Is than when I have two metal rods. One is brass the other is stainless steel. The s/s rod is more irony?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Obviously its a postcode lottery, lucky you for getting sorted so quickly, hope you heal soon!
The wife has been plagued by stomach problems for over a year. The dr won't refer her and has said stuff like drink more water, eat more fruit and veg and prescribed everything from paracetamol to tramadol! Having had enough of this we went to bupa and was diagnosed of having gall stones and had her gall bladder removed within a month. She feels great now. We are the wrong postcode for good service it seems.
Obviously its a postcode lottery, lucky you for getting sorted so quickly, hope you heal soon!
The wife has been plagued by stomach problems for over a year. The dr won't refer her and has said stuff like drink more water, eat more fruit and veg and prescribed everything from paracetamol to tramadol! Having had enough of this we went to bupa and was diagnosed of having gall stones and had her gall bladder removed within a month. She feels great now. We are the wrong postcode for good service it seems.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Beat me to it Rob, but you have paid, that is what National Insurance is all about, the best 'free' health care system in the world yet devised.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Woops . I'll crawl back under my rock.
In reply to wilkie14c: Well, a lottery of sorts, I can't argue with that. But if it can work well in some places then it can be made to work well elsewhere. The system isn't intrinsically, fundamentally flawed, as some would argue.
In reply to wilkie14c:
Agreed, and good luck Rob.
My Mum had to go private to get diagnosed for cancer. She thankfully survived but only because of the £5k spent on private scans.
I truly believe in the NHS, it is the best model for a country of this size, be we need to accept there are huge variations in service across postcodes and work to get everywhere up to the best standards we hear about.
> (In reply to Rob Exile Ward)
> Obviously its a postcode lottery, lucky you for getting sorted so quickly, hope you heal soon!
> Obviously its a postcode lottery, lucky you for getting sorted so quickly, hope you heal soon!
Agreed, and good luck Rob.
My Mum had to go private to get diagnosed for cancer. She thankfully survived but only because of the £5k spent on private scans.
I truly believe in the NHS, it is the best model for a country of this size, be we need to accept there are huge variations in service across postcodes and work to get everywhere up to the best standards we hear about.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I damaged my shoulder a few years ago and went to A&E locally. There was a sign up on the wall saying that the average waiting time was four hours and not to bother them asking when you were going to be seen the whole time. So I sat there for four hours and a half, in a certain amount of discomfort although not actually bleeding on the floor, during which time the waiting room filled and emptied several times.
Eventually I timidly asked when I might be seen, to which the nurse replied, ‘Oh, sorry, are you still here? I thought you’d been seen hours ago. Why didn’t you come up and ask before?’
I pointed out the sign. She laughed. ‘Oh that’, she said. ‘The average waiting time is actually 20 minutes. We just put that up because the target time is four hours, and when the inspectors come it keeps them happy.’.
A very British experience in a number of regards. Still, they tied my arm up in a nice sling and gave me some painkillers. I don’t complain.
jcm
I damaged my shoulder a few years ago and went to A&E locally. There was a sign up on the wall saying that the average waiting time was four hours and not to bother them asking when you were going to be seen the whole time. So I sat there for four hours and a half, in a certain amount of discomfort although not actually bleeding on the floor, during which time the waiting room filled and emptied several times.
Eventually I timidly asked when I might be seen, to which the nurse replied, ‘Oh, sorry, are you still here? I thought you’d been seen hours ago. Why didn’t you come up and ask before?’
I pointed out the sign. She laughed. ‘Oh that’, she said. ‘The average waiting time is actually 20 minutes. We just put that up because the target time is four hours, and when the inspectors come it keeps them happy.’.
A very British experience in a number of regards. Still, they tied my arm up in a nice sling and gave me some painkillers. I don’t complain.
jcm
In reply to johncoxmysteriously: I had a similar bad experience at the same A & E a few years ago when I broke my hand skiing (there's a pattern here...) The place then was chaos, and I probably complained about it at the time on here.
Today it was great, that's all I can say.
Today it was great, that's all I can say.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I have had similar terrible experiences. Once I turned up at our surgery to get a repeat prescription for my asthma and was asked if I had had my flu jab. I said no and because my GP happened to be in the room and overheard the conversation, I was frog marched there and then into his room and administered with said flu jab.
Disgraceful!
Disgraceful!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I cant help but think that it's Vvery much a post code lottery.
I'd been with the same practice for many years and they use (badly trained and in one case intoxicated) receptionist's as phlebotomist's, nurses who readily admit they cant remember giving injections, even when the patient is still in the room and GP's who don't or cant be arsed to know your name, read consultants letter about your condition fully before giving you a resume and give you life changing scan results over the telephone.
I've recently changed and its a breath of fresh air. They are caring and take the time and trouble to treat you as people and not as numbers.
And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!
I'd been with the same practice for many years and they use (badly trained and in one case intoxicated) receptionist's as phlebotomist's, nurses who readily admit they cant remember giving injections, even when the patient is still in the room and GP's who don't or cant be arsed to know your name, read consultants letter about your condition fully before giving you a resume and give you life changing scan results over the telephone.
I've recently changed and its a breath of fresh air. They are caring and take the time and trouble to treat you as people and not as numbers.
And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: There seems to be a real disconnect between the acute/ emergency stuff - which seems to be brilliant - and the long term care aspects. I'm repeating what I said on another thread, but Salford Royal did a fantastic job about eight months ago - brought a frail old man back from being hours from death through immediate lifesaving surgery. They then completely screwed up the basics of care and rehab through a combination of inadequate resources and overstretched/ incompetent/ uncaring staff which culminated in another, entirely avoidable trip back to HDU. I honestly don't know what to think.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I wish you guys would tame it down with the praise for the NHS...it's off message I tell you!
Where's Olivier when you need him?
I wish you guys would tame it down with the praise for the NHS...it's off message I tell you!
Where's Olivier when you need him?
In reply to toad:
Agreed. They do critical care excellently, but stuff like geriatric care can be absolutely sppaling.
Agreed. They do critical care excellently, but stuff like geriatric care can be absolutely sppaling.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
>
Indeed. How are your meth cooking skills?
>
> The system is hopeless, I tell you, hopeless. The sooner they privatise it and make it so much more efficient the better.
Indeed. How are your meth cooking skills?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
If it's that fast they are probably overmanned. Queueing theory suggests if there isn't a queue then the 'servers' will be under-utilised. Take into account that there are lots of people reporting much worse experiences in different cities and at different times of day and a story of super-fast service could be evidence of not applying resources efficiently.
Just another way of thinking about the data.
If it's that fast they are probably overmanned. Queueing theory suggests if there isn't a queue then the 'servers' will be under-utilised. Take into account that there are lots of people reporting much worse experiences in different cities and at different times of day and a story of super-fast service could be evidence of not applying resources efficiently.
Just another way of thinking about the data.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I had a few experiences with the NHS and overall I love it...
Biggest flops were GP telling me to breathe quicker when I presented my
pectus excavatum and a three year process to get the nuss procedure for it, but the hospital I was in (Southampton)was one of the most pleasant experiences of my life (might have been the morphine)and the aftercare absolutely superb. My surgeon has since left and has now been replaced with one I mutually cannot understand but hey.
I had a few experiences with the NHS and overall I love it...
Biggest flops were GP telling me to breathe quicker when I presented my
pectus excavatum and a three year process to get the nuss procedure for it, but the hospital I was in (Southampton)was one of the most pleasant experiences of my life (might have been the morphine)and the aftercare absolutely superb. My surgeon has since left and has now been replaced with one I mutually cannot understand but hey.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Had a massive christmas hamper delivered to my ambulance station last week, for myself and 2 collegues...
Apparently we saved the guys life.... I didn't think we provided that service on the NHS any longer!!!!!
Apparently we saved the guys life.... I didn't think we provided that service on the NHS any longer!!!!!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
While i'm all in favour of a public health system, it not always is as efficient as in your situation.
I'll tell you a little story:
8 weeks ago i broke my ankle in Italy. I was hospitalised and put on a fixator as part of a 2 stage treatment, in which first you immobilise it, and as soon as swelling goes down you get bolted internally. Since it could take a couple of weeks for that to happen, i was told i could come back to the UK with the condition that i go straight to the doctor and that i attend hospital daily for them to check on progress to perform definitive treatment.
I arrive in England and call GP straight away. "Next available appointment in 13 days, sorry". So i go to A&E, "This is not an emergency, call your GP". So i create a bit of a stink and i'm finally seen.
X-ray gets taken and i'm given an appointment with an specialist for 4 days later. Mention of the daily check-ups and care needed to avoid infection in the surgery wounds gets laughed at and waived.
I go to see the specialist 4 days later, who enters the room just long enough to tell me to come back in 6 weeks. He refuses to see the transfer letter i was given by the Italian surgeon with directions, and says that the temporary fixing i have is adequate even though he never even looks at it. I explain how insistent was the Italian Doc that it is temporary and not suitable as definitive treatment, and i'm given a condescending "we do things differently here".
3 weeks later i have a fall in the rain and get worried my bones may have displaced. Call my GP again, "Sorry, next available appointment is in 3 weeks". Go to A&E, "You have to see your specialist and he'll x-ray you if he thinks it necessary, go to your GP for a referral". So i sneak through to the main wards and explain the situation to one of the nurses i met, who gets me an appointment, for the following week.
So i see the doctor, he sends me for x-rays, and says "everything is still good and it's healing as normal", come back at the original appointment date.
I'm back in for the 6 week appointment, and am met by a different Doctor who informs me, even before doing any x-rays or anything, that i have to keep the fixator for another 6 weeks. At this point i had already done my research on the injury and treatments, and had been in touch with the manufacturer, so i explain to him why and how the device was not suitable, that it's not been set as definitive, how it doesn't allow me to put weight which is a very important tool to heal, etc.
He agrees, and says i should have had definitive treatment 5 weeks ago, but now is too late. The fact he was asking me to go home and wait another 6 weeks with a device he knows is unsuitable for the job doesn't escape me. Makes some x-rays, says everything is going well, and refers me to another hospital where they "have experience with fixators".
I visit new Doc 2 days ago, who informs me that:
- The fixator was wholly unsuitable for anything other than temporary fixing
- They should have done the definitive intervention as soon as
- Once they decided to do nothing and leave me with this they should have re-set it to allow healing and stop further damage
- They should have made regular follow-ups to check on healing and complications so as to introduce exercises/physio/weight bearing accordingly and react in a useful timely manner for an injury that timely decisions are vital
Instead they did:
- Nothing
- Failed to see in the x-rays that not only it wasn't "healing as normal", but it wasn't healing at all.
As a result, due to all the feck ups and that now it's too late to do anything else, next week i have to be put an external frame in the leg which i will have to keep on for possibly 9 to 12 months, for an injury that should have been healed in 12 weeks were it not for their blatant neglect.
If i were you i'd go for a second x-ray somewhere else...
While i'm all in favour of a public health system, it not always is as efficient as in your situation.
I'll tell you a little story:
8 weeks ago i broke my ankle in Italy. I was hospitalised and put on a fixator as part of a 2 stage treatment, in which first you immobilise it, and as soon as swelling goes down you get bolted internally. Since it could take a couple of weeks for that to happen, i was told i could come back to the UK with the condition that i go straight to the doctor and that i attend hospital daily for them to check on progress to perform definitive treatment.
I arrive in England and call GP straight away. "Next available appointment in 13 days, sorry". So i go to A&E, "This is not an emergency, call your GP". So i create a bit of a stink and i'm finally seen.
X-ray gets taken and i'm given an appointment with an specialist for 4 days later. Mention of the daily check-ups and care needed to avoid infection in the surgery wounds gets laughed at and waived.
I go to see the specialist 4 days later, who enters the room just long enough to tell me to come back in 6 weeks. He refuses to see the transfer letter i was given by the Italian surgeon with directions, and says that the temporary fixing i have is adequate even though he never even looks at it. I explain how insistent was the Italian Doc that it is temporary and not suitable as definitive treatment, and i'm given a condescending "we do things differently here".
3 weeks later i have a fall in the rain and get worried my bones may have displaced. Call my GP again, "Sorry, next available appointment is in 3 weeks". Go to A&E, "You have to see your specialist and he'll x-ray you if he thinks it necessary, go to your GP for a referral". So i sneak through to the main wards and explain the situation to one of the nurses i met, who gets me an appointment, for the following week.
So i see the doctor, he sends me for x-rays, and says "everything is still good and it's healing as normal", come back at the original appointment date.
I'm back in for the 6 week appointment, and am met by a different Doctor who informs me, even before doing any x-rays or anything, that i have to keep the fixator for another 6 weeks. At this point i had already done my research on the injury and treatments, and had been in touch with the manufacturer, so i explain to him why and how the device was not suitable, that it's not been set as definitive, how it doesn't allow me to put weight which is a very important tool to heal, etc.
He agrees, and says i should have had definitive treatment 5 weeks ago, but now is too late. The fact he was asking me to go home and wait another 6 weeks with a device he knows is unsuitable for the job doesn't escape me. Makes some x-rays, says everything is going well, and refers me to another hospital where they "have experience with fixators".
I visit new Doc 2 days ago, who informs me that:
- The fixator was wholly unsuitable for anything other than temporary fixing
- They should have done the definitive intervention as soon as
- Once they decided to do nothing and leave me with this they should have re-set it to allow healing and stop further damage
- They should have made regular follow-ups to check on healing and complications so as to introduce exercises/physio/weight bearing accordingly and react in a useful timely manner for an injury that timely decisions are vital
Instead they did:
- Nothing
- Failed to see in the x-rays that not only it wasn't "healing as normal", but it wasn't healing at all.
As a result, due to all the feck ups and that now it's too late to do anything else, next week i have to be put an external frame in the leg which i will have to keep on for possibly 9 to 12 months, for an injury that should have been healed in 12 weeks were it not for their blatant neglect.
If i were you i'd go for a second x-ray somewhere else...
In reply to bluebealach:
Correction... you would not be looking at British society with such rose tinted spectacles!!
>
> And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!
> And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!
Correction... you would not be looking at British society with such rose tinted spectacles!!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
It's a pity that primary mental health care in south wales isn't so efficient ..... I waited four years for a referral, and in the end was only given one when I'd been paying to see a specialist in London (£280 for 45 minute appointment) for 6 months.
It's a pity that primary mental health care in south wales isn't so efficient ..... I waited four years for a referral, and in the end was only given one when I'd been paying to see a specialist in London (£280 for 45 minute appointment) for 6 months.
In reply to Mr Lopez: I would suggest that if you made a complaint based on what you have said on here that the Practice would be investigated and the doctors struck off the NHS lists.
In reply to bluebealach:
>
Just thought I'd pop in throw my thoughts into the ring. I have been on my shift since 07-30hrs and I don't expect to get back to station for my FIRST break until 15-00hrs.
Hand on heart, every single member of A&E and the Ambulance Service work their socks off day in and day out to help who we are called to in Blackpool. And we don't take too kindly to slurs that we don't bother to do our jobs with due diligence at the weekends.
I have just started my run of 5 shifts in a row, two days and three nights finishing Monday morning.
Rather than throw glib comments, have a thought for those at the sharp end. We are among the busiest in the country, if not the busiest.
>
> And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!
Just thought I'd pop in throw my thoughts into the ring. I have been on my shift since 07-30hrs and I don't expect to get back to station for my FIRST break until 15-00hrs.
Hand on heart, every single member of A&E and the Ambulance Service work their socks off day in and day out to help who we are called to in Blackpool. And we don't take too kindly to slurs that we don't bother to do our jobs with due diligence at the weekends.
I have just started my run of 5 shifts in a row, two days and three nights finishing Monday morning.
Rather than throw glib comments, have a thought for those at the sharp end. We are among the busiest in the country, if not the busiest.
In reply to The Lemming:
I really don't think that I was 'slurring' those who do your job!!
And your point is?? Lots of people work nights and longer than 5 shifts in a row!!
It was NOT a glib comment, it's fact and something you should know being an ambulance personal. I seem to recollect that you are not a 'Sand Grown Un' and are an incommer to Blackpool - sorry if I got that wrong. This was happening in Blackpool in the 70's 80's 90's ect ect....its a lot to do with the demographics of Blackpool and those that come on holiday, stag do's, the less fortunate's that have migrated from the inner cities of the UK thinking that the streets of Blackpool are still paved with gold because they spent a nice holiday here years ago, the elderly....the list for us is endless!! And its happening in lots of other towns and cities across the country.
Don't have a go at me pal just because you don't like whats being said about the NHS. Mrs BB is a senior nurse of long standing in Blackpool and if you think that I'm having a go at you (or her)....think again!!
Bottom line is and back to my original point, the Health Service is Blackpool and many others in the UK is poor, despite the valiant efforts of you and your colleagues!!
> (In reply to bluebealach)
> [...]
> [...]
> And we don't take too kindly to slurs that we don't bother to do our jobs with due diligence at the weekends.
I really don't think that I was 'slurring' those who do your job!!
> I have just started my run of 5 shifts in a row, two days and three nights finishing Monday morning.
And your point is?? Lots of people work nights and longer than 5 shifts in a row!!
> Rather than throw glib comments, have a thought for those at the sharp end. We are among the busiest in the country, if not the busiest.
It was NOT a glib comment, it's fact and something you should know being an ambulance personal. I seem to recollect that you are not a 'Sand Grown Un' and are an incommer to Blackpool - sorry if I got that wrong. This was happening in Blackpool in the 70's 80's 90's ect ect....its a lot to do with the demographics of Blackpool and those that come on holiday, stag do's, the less fortunate's that have migrated from the inner cities of the UK thinking that the streets of Blackpool are still paved with gold because they spent a nice holiday here years ago, the elderly....the list for us is endless!! And its happening in lots of other towns and cities across the country.
Don't have a go at me pal just because you don't like whats being said about the NHS. Mrs BB is a senior nurse of long standing in Blackpool and if you think that I'm having a go at you (or her)....think again!!
Bottom line is and back to my original point, the Health Service is Blackpool and many others in the UK is poor, despite the valiant efforts of you and your colleagues!!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I wish I'd seen this thread when I posted http://www2.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=569892
within the context of this thread I think there is a lot that can be improved in the health service and I think all of it can be improved by removing marketisation, private organisation interdependence (having sheets washed by a private company to make profit when the same opperation could be completed in house on the same scale), removing the psuedo company configuration of foundation trusts and having a wider inclusive structure.
it is very nice to hear one of the many many positive stories that happen all the time.
I wish I'd seen this thread when I posted http://www2.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?n=569892
within the context of this thread I think there is a lot that can be improved in the health service and I think all of it can be improved by removing marketisation, private organisation interdependence (having sheets washed by a private company to make profit when the same opperation could be completed in house on the same scale), removing the psuedo company configuration of foundation trusts and having a wider inclusive structure.
it is very nice to hear one of the many many positive stories that happen all the time.
In reply to The Lemming: ......Friday and Saturday nights tend to be the busiest, year round for at least two of the emergency services in Blackpool......
And that my friend is your town....you chose to work here....as did I!!
And that my friend is your town....you chose to work here....as did I!!
In reply to bluebealach: I do the same job as Lemming and I took offence at you comment too.
On a friday and saturday night it is the same professional staff in A&E, the difference is the type of patients we attend at those times (drunks, fight, self harmers etc). The fact that A&E is not a nice place to be at these times is more down to the large numbers of intoxicated patients and hangers on, than the staff.
This is a reflection of society and not the fault of the NHS and certainly not the fault of the nurse, doctor, paramedic etc who was unlucky enough to have to work weekend nights.
On a friday and saturday night it is the same professional staff in A&E, the difference is the type of patients we attend at those times (drunks, fight, self harmers etc). The fact that A&E is not a nice place to be at these times is more down to the large numbers of intoxicated patients and hangers on, than the staff.
This is a reflection of society and not the fault of the NHS and certainly not the fault of the nurse, doctor, paramedic etc who was unlucky enough to have to work weekend nights.
In reply to SAF: Jeeze, you lot are touchy!!
The OP said he went to his A&E in the morning and went straight in and out - fair dinkum
I pointed out that on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool (where I live) but probably in most major town and cities, this would possibly not be the case.
Quote "And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!"
I did not and would never suggest that the clinicians or paramedics were the cause and that they were anything other than an understaffed, underpaid, dedicated and hardworking bunch that fully deserved the support of the public.......I know because I spent many years protecting you guys from the idiots that like to fight or that gave you grief!!
Maybe I should have confined my comments not to the NHS but to solely A&E but NHS was the OP's title
Sorry for the misunderstanding and I hope that clears that up!!
The OP said he went to his A&E in the morning and went straight in and out - fair dinkum
I pointed out that on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool (where I live) but probably in most major town and cities, this would possibly not be the case.
Quote "And as for A&E, not sure where you went, but think yourself lucky you went early morning and not late afternoon or on a Friday and Saturday night in Blackpool - you would not be looking at the NHS with such rose tinted spectacles!!"
I did not and would never suggest that the clinicians or paramedics were the cause and that they were anything other than an understaffed, underpaid, dedicated and hardworking bunch that fully deserved the support of the public.......I know because I spent many years protecting you guys from the idiots that like to fight or that gave you grief!!
Maybe I should have confined my comments not to the NHS but to solely A&E but NHS was the OP's title
Sorry for the misunderstanding and I hope that clears that up!!
In reply to Al Evans:
Apart from the fact that GP's are private contractors.
> (In reply to Andy DB) I think you missed the point, have you never heard of irony?
Apart from the fact that GP's are private contractors.
In reply to bluebealach:
Text based environments can and do cause confusion and misunderstanding all round and reading a discussion on a teeny tiny phone adds to the generalised misunderstanding.
I too would like to apologise for adding to the confusion.
>
> Sorry for the misunderstanding and I hope that clears that up!!
> Sorry for the misunderstanding and I hope that clears that up!!
Text based environments can and do cause confusion and misunderstanding all round and reading a discussion on a teeny tiny phone adds to the generalised misunderstanding.
I too would like to apologise for adding to the confusion.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: Probably better to work on your technique and simply not fall over thus not requiring us in the NHS!
In reply to Removed UserPete Cook: Fair enough but I'll have to work on not growing old as well - I'm sure I'd have bounced twenty years ago!
In reply to The Lemming: I think you are being a little sensitive, no-one suggested that the front line staff on a Friday night aren't working hard, just that they are over-stretched as on a Friday night A+E is generally full of drunk idiots.
In reply to Rob Exjile Ward:
It's a lottery. Mistress tefffers couldn't get an appointment the other day no matter what she did. Tried phoning from ten to 8, eventually get through at 8.02 to be told all emergency appointments are booked for the day, try again tomorrow. Tried getting a booked appointment, nothing available for 3 weeks and they don't do appointments more than 3 weeks ahead. Useless. Might as well shut the practice and sack them for all the use they are.
It's a lottery. Mistress tefffers couldn't get an appointment the other day no matter what she did. Tried phoning from ten to 8, eventually get through at 8.02 to be told all emergency appointments are booked for the day, try again tomorrow. Tried getting a booked appointment, nothing available for 3 weeks and they don't do appointments more than 3 weeks ahead. Useless. Might as well shut the practice and sack them for all the use they are.
In reply to PebblePusher:
Hmmm....13 days a month = fulltime nursing contract up here, the money is good.
>
> Nurses are.......on very low pay.
>> Nurses are.......on very low pay.
Hmmm....13 days a month = fulltime nursing contract up here, the money is good.
In reply to nickinscottishmountains:
Not down here, nurse's full time is like everyone else's and the Money is not necessarily great.
Not down here, nurse's full time is like everyone else's and the Money is not necessarily great.
In reply to teflonpete: Don't know what to say, it's horrible when you crash into stupid bureaucracy.
On the other hand we have a friend who is a GP, their practice - in a rougher part of town than us - tried to not have appointments, and for 18 months they had queues around the block - so they had to go back to appointments.
There are no easy answers, I'm sure of that. But the NHS model is not intrinsically flawed.
On the other hand we have a friend who is a GP, their practice - in a rougher part of town than us - tried to not have appointments, and for 18 months they had queues around the block - so they had to go back to appointments.
There are no easy answers, I'm sure of that. But the NHS model is not intrinsically flawed.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
We should go over to the American system, it's faster, cheaper and far more efficient.
We should go over to the American system, it's faster, cheaper and far more efficient.
In reply to marsbar:
You did see my apology about misunderstanding what I read?
> (In reply to The Lemming) I think you are being a little sensitive.
You did see my apology about misunderstanding what I read?
In reply to stroppygob: Apart from the fact that it's slower, more expensive (10% of GDP as opposed to 7%) and has significantly worse outcomes (check out the stats) then I entirely agree.
Unless my irony meter needs a reboot?
Unless my irony meter needs a reboot?
In reply to Rob Exile Ward: I got antibiotics after bashing my elbow (which became a massive swellbow) in Font one time. It was so big I could press dents into it and they would stay there for minutes!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I recently had occasion to write the following email (mildly redacted in the interests of patient confidentiality):
"You don't seem to have a feedback email address except the one called Complaints. And this isn't a complaint!
I am writing to express my thanks and appreciation for the exceptionally good medical care that [my relative] received from everyone involved in caring for her during her recent time in Ninewells Hospital.
[my relative] was admitted to Ninewells on 8/10 for an operation for a fibroid on 9/10. This was performed fully successfully by Dr K and team. Unfortunately she developed post-operative complications because of an adhesion. This necessitated a second operation on 17/10, performed fully successfully by Mr Y and team, with Dr K in attendance (even though Dr K was supposed to be on leave that week).
Throughout [my relative]'s stay in hospital, which naturally involved me in being there as a visitor for a lot of the time, the medical and nursing care that she received (first in Ward 36, then in Ward 11) was, in my view, absolutely outstanding. From consultants to care assistants, I can't think of anything that anyone did wrong. The care [my relative] received was both completely professional and also very friendly and respectful of her as a person.
Ninewells have done a first-rate job and we are very grateful to everyone involved. Please pass on to the people involved all our thanks and best wishes."
Yep. The system is broken, hopelessly broken, and we should all be very scared and wish we lived in Ohio
I recently had occasion to write the following email (mildly redacted in the interests of patient confidentiality):
"You don't seem to have a feedback email address except the one called Complaints. And this isn't a complaint!
I am writing to express my thanks and appreciation for the exceptionally good medical care that [my relative] received from everyone involved in caring for her during her recent time in Ninewells Hospital.
[my relative] was admitted to Ninewells on 8/10 for an operation for a fibroid on 9/10. This was performed fully successfully by Dr K and team. Unfortunately she developed post-operative complications because of an adhesion. This necessitated a second operation on 17/10, performed fully successfully by Mr Y and team, with Dr K in attendance (even though Dr K was supposed to be on leave that week).
Throughout [my relative]'s stay in hospital, which naturally involved me in being there as a visitor for a lot of the time, the medical and nursing care that she received (first in Ward 36, then in Ward 11) was, in my view, absolutely outstanding. From consultants to care assistants, I can't think of anything that anyone did wrong. The care [my relative] received was both completely professional and also very friendly and respectful of her as a person.
Ninewells have done a first-rate job and we are very grateful to everyone involved. Please pass on to the people involved all our thanks and best wishes."
Yep. The system is broken, hopelessly broken, and we should all be very scared and wish we lived in Ohio
In reply to The Lemming: I missed that, sorry. Just saw it now. Ooops. I was watching TV and posting at the same time... and they reckon women can multi-task.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I think what you had was olecranon bursitis. Arm moves ok but there is this alarming lump after the fall. I had one in the summer. Looks like Popeye's elbow.
I think what you had was olecranon bursitis. Arm moves ok but there is this alarming lump after the fall. I had one in the summer. Looks like Popeye's elbow.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
Yeh, I was slightly disallusioned about the system.
3:30pm Sunday - went to pharmacy in Keswick to get bandage as I'd gone over on my ankle and it was so huge I couldn't see my ankle bone, also pain in foot and leg. Pharmacist recomended I went to Keswick hospital rather than just buy a bandage.
4pm Sunday - go to hospital in Keswick, wait 30 mins to be seen, despite being the only person in the waiting room, got advised to go to Carlise for an xray.
7pm Sunday, went to Carlisle A&E - not broken. However the advised route of pharmacy first meant I was just referred up. Almost makes you want to just go to A&E. Major issue was that there are no radiographers working on a sunday afternoon except for in the major hospitals. How can it be that our NHS does not prepare for people to get injured on a Sunday!!!
In Carlisle they give you a token and ask you to put it in the box.
Would you recommend us to a friend:
Very likely, likely, neither likely or unlikely, unlikely, very unlikely.
...
Yes, of course I will recommend to my friends that the break themselves and visit A&E!
Yeh, I was slightly disallusioned about the system.
3:30pm Sunday - went to pharmacy in Keswick to get bandage as I'd gone over on my ankle and it was so huge I couldn't see my ankle bone, also pain in foot and leg. Pharmacist recomended I went to Keswick hospital rather than just buy a bandage.
4pm Sunday - go to hospital in Keswick, wait 30 mins to be seen, despite being the only person in the waiting room, got advised to go to Carlise for an xray.
7pm Sunday, went to Carlisle A&E - not broken. However the advised route of pharmacy first meant I was just referred up. Almost makes you want to just go to A&E. Major issue was that there are no radiographers working on a sunday afternoon except for in the major hospitals. How can it be that our NHS does not prepare for people to get injured on a Sunday!!!
In Carlisle they give you a token and ask you to put it in the box.
Would you recommend us to a friend:
Very likely, likely, neither likely or unlikely, unlikely, very unlikely.
...
Yes, of course I will recommend to my friends that the break themselves and visit A&E!
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I will add that despite the crap system the doctor in Keswick and registrar in Carlisle were very good, friendly etc.
I will add that despite the crap system the doctor in Keswick and registrar in Carlisle were very good, friendly etc.
In reply to stroppygob:
You must be right for the very rich: ... mind you, you won't get treated in most hospitals in the US, with most conditions, without finding your high limit credit card first; the old system (heavily defended by the republicans) costs the US taxpayers more per capita than the UK system before a $ of insurance money; plus about a 1/3 of of the population couldn't afford insurance... super stuff eh and boo hiss to socialist Obamacare from those who don't give a shit about the unfortunates in life??
You must be right for the very rich: ... mind you, you won't get treated in most hospitals in the US, with most conditions, without finding your high limit credit card first; the old system (heavily defended by the republicans) costs the US taxpayers more per capita than the UK system before a $ of insurance money; plus about a 1/3 of of the population couldn't afford insurance... super stuff eh and boo hiss to socialist Obamacare from those who don't give a shit about the unfortunates in life??
In reply to Katie86:
Perhaps an uninformed pharmacist made a mistake in where to direct you, but you had your ankle problem sorted in an afternoon despite going to 3 different places. Is that really a big problem? Healthcare takes a bit of time sometimes, but I think to be disillusioned with this experience means your expectations are very high. You came to no harm and spent less than half a day in the system. This is the 'consumer' attitude to healthcare that is increasingly prevalent as people expect to use A&E in the same way as they use a fast-food takeaway. The NHS does prepare for people to get injured on a Sunday, but in your area it seems they expect them to go the Carlisle.
(Also, I think - someone please correct me if I'm wrong - most pharmacists you will see out of hospital are not employed by the NHS but private pharmacies).
Conflict of interest declaration: NHS employee.
Perhaps an uninformed pharmacist made a mistake in where to direct you, but you had your ankle problem sorted in an afternoon despite going to 3 different places. Is that really a big problem? Healthcare takes a bit of time sometimes, but I think to be disillusioned with this experience means your expectations are very high. You came to no harm and spent less than half a day in the system. This is the 'consumer' attitude to healthcare that is increasingly prevalent as people expect to use A&E in the same way as they use a fast-food takeaway. The NHS does prepare for people to get injured on a Sunday, but in your area it seems they expect them to go the Carlisle.
(Also, I think - someone please correct me if I'm wrong - most pharmacists you will see out of hospital are not employed by the NHS but private pharmacies).
Conflict of interest declaration: NHS employee.
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
I'd think about buying a new one if it's that bad.
> (In reply to stroppygob)
> Unless my irony meter needs a reboot?
> Unless my irony meter needs a reboot?
I'd think about buying a new one if it's that bad.
In reply to stroppygob:
As above what? The recently changed US system was only faster if you're wealthy, it was way more expensive (more per capita on tax burden before people paid a $ of insurance) and it was incredibly inefficient because of all the paperwork linking the various organisations involved. When you add to this a 1/3 of americans couldnt get cover the old situation was the worst state system in the developed world.
As above what? The recently changed US system was only faster if you're wealthy, it was way more expensive (more per capita on tax burden before people paid a $ of insurance) and it was incredibly inefficient because of all the paperwork linking the various organisations involved. When you add to this a 1/3 of americans couldnt get cover the old situation was the worst state system in the developed world.
In reply to splat2million:
A correction for you is that Pharmacists are usually private but they are contracted by the NHS to perform certain works.
A correction for you is that Pharmacists are usually private but they are contracted by the NHS to perform certain works.
In reply to Offwidth: On the very odd occasions I feel unwell enough to want to see a doctor, I end up paying £45 to see a private one in my office within the hour (we have them permanently on sight...not sure if that is telling me something). But not before trying to book my local GP to try and save the cash, which always results in me realising £45 is a small price to pay to be seen immediately. I guess it frees up the local GP to see someone else......in 2 weeks time.
In reply to splat2million:
Carlisle and Whitehaven are the Hospitals in North and West Cumbria with A+E facilities - I'd never go to Keswick Cottage Hospital if I needed A+E style attention. I'm pretty sure a GP would not refer you to Keswick either (But I'm just a punter so might be wrong)so I reckon the Pharmacist was sending you to the wrong Hospital. It's a 60 mile round trip from Keswick to Carlisle, but thats the consequence of being in a sparsly populated area it's a disadvantage we live with.
Carlisle and Whitehaven are the Hospitals in North and West Cumbria with A+E facilities - I'd never go to Keswick Cottage Hospital if I needed A+E style attention. I'm pretty sure a GP would not refer you to Keswick either (But I'm just a punter so might be wrong)so I reckon the Pharmacist was sending you to the wrong Hospital. It's a 60 mile round trip from Keswick to Carlisle, but thats the consequence of being in a sparsly populated area it's a disadvantage we live with.
In reply to Bjartur i Sumarhus:
Seeing my GP costs $70.00, the govt refunds half of that.
> (In reply to Offwidth) On the very odd occasions I feel unwell enough to want to see a doctor, I end up paying £45 to see a private one in my office within the hour
Seeing my GP costs $70.00, the govt refunds half of that.
In reply to splat2million:
I'm not complaining. Just a system that means you get referred up. If the hospital in Keswick or Penrith had the ability to xray, it would be much simpler.
Last time I went to A&E was in 2008 with a dislocated ankle on a Sunday eve - was treated well and quickly. I'm not someone who "expect(s) to use A&E in the same way as they use a fast-food takeaway", mainly because I use them so infrequently! I'm actually offended by your comments!
I'm not complaining. Just a system that means you get referred up. If the hospital in Keswick or Penrith had the ability to xray, it would be much simpler.
Last time I went to A&E was in 2008 with a dislocated ankle on a Sunday eve - was treated well and quickly. I'm not someone who "expect(s) to use A&E in the same way as they use a fast-food takeaway", mainly because I use them so infrequently! I'm actually offended by your comments!
In reply to teflonpete:
I rarely go to the Doc, but finally relented to Mrs C's nagging that she should make an appointment for me, I relented being in no hurry to actually see the Doc, she called on a Friday morning, and I was sitting in front of the Doc at 2:00 pm that same day !
( Being a reluctant male , I was hoping for a much longer wait,- a year would have been too soon)
> (In reply to Rob Exjile Ward)
>
> It's a lottery. Mistress tefffers couldn't get an appointment the other day no matter what she did. Tried phoning from ten to 8, eventually get through at 8.02 to be told all emergency appointments are booked for the day, try again tomorrow. Tried getting a booked appointment, nothing available for 3 weeks and they don't do appointments more than 3 weeks ahead. Useless. Might as well shut the practice and sack them for all the use they are.
>
> It's a lottery. Mistress tefffers couldn't get an appointment the other day no matter what she did. Tried phoning from ten to 8, eventually get through at 8.02 to be told all emergency appointments are booked for the day, try again tomorrow. Tried getting a booked appointment, nothing available for 3 weeks and they don't do appointments more than 3 weeks ahead. Useless. Might as well shut the practice and sack them for all the use they are.
I rarely go to the Doc, but finally relented to Mrs C's nagging that she should make an appointment for me, I relented being in no hurry to actually see the Doc, she called on a Friday morning, and I was sitting in front of the Doc at 2:00 pm that same day !
( Being a reluctant male , I was hoping for a much longer wait,- a year would have been too soon)
In reply to Rob Exile Ward:
GPs, massively over paid useless waste of space.
General NHS care for what they've done for us, priceless!!!
GPs, massively over paid useless waste of space.
General NHS care for what they've done for us, priceless!!!
In reply to Katie86:
I'm sorry my intention was not to offend you, simply to suggest that your expectations are very high, and my wording was quite harsh for which I apologise.
The problem I think was probably a misinformed pharmacist who didn't know that Keswick didn't have X-ray and should have sent you direct to Carlisle. This isn't a problem with the system, just an individual.
While it would be convenient for the few people that require it, the cost of running out of hours radiology service is not small and out of proportion for the demand. I'd say there's probably an argument for not having a minor injury unit at all if they don't have X-ray though - I assume they also do GP out of hours services or something.
The NHS has many problems and limitations, but I don't think the management of 'minor' injuries is particularly bad. (Now i will prepare myself for more anecdotes of bad experiences in A&E...)
I'm sorry my intention was not to offend you, simply to suggest that your expectations are very high, and my wording was quite harsh for which I apologise.
The problem I think was probably a misinformed pharmacist who didn't know that Keswick didn't have X-ray and should have sent you direct to Carlisle. This isn't a problem with the system, just an individual.
While it would be convenient for the few people that require it, the cost of running out of hours radiology service is not small and out of proportion for the demand. I'd say there's probably an argument for not having a minor injury unit at all if they don't have X-ray though - I assume they also do GP out of hours services or something.
The NHS has many problems and limitations, but I don't think the management of 'minor' injuries is particularly bad. (Now i will prepare myself for more anecdotes of bad experiences in A&E...)
In reply to Ridge:
It can also be excellent.
> (In reply to toad)
>
> Agreed. They do critical care excellently, but stuff like geriatric care can be absolutely sppaling.
>
> Agreed. They do critical care excellently, but stuff like geriatric care can be absolutely sppaling.
It can also be excellent.
In reply to puppythedog:
He's talking long days, it still works out at 150hrs per rota/ 37.5hrs a week
Remember he hasn't said on what band the pay is good. Permanent nights or lots of weekends would improve the pay too.
> (In reply to nickinscottishmountains)
>
> Not down here, nurse's full time is like everyone else's and the Money is not necessarily great.
>
> Not down here, nurse's full time is like everyone else's and the Money is not necessarily great.
He's talking long days, it still works out at 150hrs per rota/ 37.5hrs a week
Remember he hasn't said on what band the pay is good. Permanent nights or lots of weekends would improve the pay too.
In reply to waterbaby:
true, so not an entirely representative description of nurses experiences up there then. In my experience the opportunities for long days and shorter weeks are rarer and rarer. The number of nurses on 'good pay' bands do not outweight those not.
true, so not an entirely representative description of nurses experiences up there then. In my experience the opportunities for long days and shorter weeks are rarer and rarer. The number of nurses on 'good pay' bands do not outweight those not.
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