Have a non emergency issue but one I'd like to discuss in a reasonable time.
No routine appointments showing at all. It's a phone and hope. There used to be an online form for this sort of thing but it seems to have gone. Luckily my GP is one registered for the Livi app. Got booked in for online video appointment for 11am today.
What I wonder is why do we have GPs at all. They seem to do SFA or at least the ones I'm with.
I don't even know what my doctor looks like.. or what he/she is called..
It must be absolute misery for those who are sick and can't even see a doctor..
Even a follow-up can take months.. Sad times..
We must be well in the way to developing AI diagnoses and subsequent medication prescriptions and/or referrals, hopefully with a human being keeping a check on things to mimimise errors.
Can envisage the day where automated AI body scanners are readily available, which will be able to identify potential anomalies.
I believe that one problem is that some people, perhaps many, hopefully pop in to the doctor's hoping for treatment for nothing more than a snivel. Of course, they have to be seen, but unfortunately those with potentially dangerous symptoms are not seen quickly enough. As a nation, we now seem to have lost any common sense these days.
One solution, which I believe goes on in our GP practice, is for patients to be seen by an 'associate practitioner', a qualified person who may have been a nurse or possibly someone under training, to see the routine matters. This makes a lot of sense, as they can identify real problems which really need attention.
However, I'm sure that some GP practices rely on unqualified receptionists to make decisions as whether a patient may be seen by a doctor.
On the other hand, I know that there are several GPs in my local practice and we are fortunate that, unlike some places, they are accessible when needed.
Livi appointment was delayed a bit. Said needs examination. Phoned surgery. Amazingly that might be today. I'd better get dressed.
... and put a clean vest on.
Quote from: klondike on April 25, 2024, 11:49:07 AMLivi appointment was delayed a bit. Said needs examination. Phoned surgery. Amazingly that might be today. I'd better get dressed.
Quote from: JBR on April 25, 2024, 10:50:57 AMI believe that one problem is that some people, perhaps many, hopefully pop in to the doctor's hoping for treatment for nothing more than a snivel. Of course, they have to be seen, but unfortunately those with potentially dangerous symptoms are not seen quickly enough. As a nation, we now seem to have lost any common sense these days.
One solution, which I believe goes on in our GP practice, is for patients to be seen by an 'associate practitioner', a qualified person who may have been a nurse or possibly someone under training, to see the routine matters. This makes a lot of sense, as they can identify real problems which really need attention.
However, I'm sure that some GP practices rely on unqualified receptionists to make decisions as whether a patient may be seen by a doctor.
On the other hand, I know that there are several GPs in my local practice and we are fortunate that, unlike some places, they are accessible when needed.
We have an excellent local pharmacy who we can rely on for advice on basic ailments. Am not 100% certain, but I believe that when we tell the GP surgery that the pharmacist has told us to Dee the doctor, they're more willing to help.
Quote from: Scrumpy on April 25, 2024, 12:30:04 PM.. and put a clean vest on.
I never said which bit they want to look at...
We have a walk in centre in town. I've gone there when I couldn't get in at our GP surgery. Once after I rang 111, I knew I needed a prescription for antibiotics and they obliged. I didn't see a doctor, it was an ACP (Advanced Clinical Practitioner) who was excellent. Effective and economical use of highly qualified nurses IMO. There are doctors for more complex issues.
Seems my appointment may be tomorrow.
No walks ins here other than A&E.
Quote from: Scrumpy on April 25, 2024, 09:14:29 AMI don't even know what my doctor looks like.. or what he/she is called..
It must be absolute misery for those who are sick and can't even see a doctor..
Even a follow-up can take months.. Sad times..
You're not kidding - I was referred for physio in March, and have been told it will not be until at least next December!
I told them I could have snuffed it before then. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Mups on April 25, 2024, 04:00:11 PMYou're not kidding - I was referred for physio in March, and have been told it will not be until at least next December!
I told them I could have snuffed it before then. :rolleyes:
In which case someone else can have the physio session. Best thing would be for you to peg out.
When I left hospital after my fall (Jan23) I was advised to have a bone scan, surgeon said he'd arrange it but it would take about 10 months on the waiting list.
I had the scan last month after 14 month wait.
The 'health care practitioner' is a glorified nurse or physiotherapist who has a Blue Peter badge. After nine months of pushing to see a doctor I was finally seen for an endoscopy. I was referred to a cancer nurse in case the biopsy showed malignant cells.
Fortunately I got the all clear but would have helped if the GP had seen me earlier.
Quote from: Raven on April 25, 2024, 05:04:55 PMWhen I left hospital after my fall (Jan23) I was advised to have a bone scan, surgeon said he'd arrange it but it would take about 10 months on the waiting list.
I had the scan last month after 14 month wait.
Have you been diagnosed with osteoporosis Raven? Thinning bone density affects lots of older people, especially women. I hope you're doing better now.
Thank goodness and touch wood I am in relative good health but I am getting older .
I did see a doctor a month back I rang for an appointment and nearly fell over when a ) they answered the phone and b) said there was an appointment with Dr so and so as someone had just cancelled I was so shocked they could have said DrJekyll I would have taken it .
But Mr M has numerous health problems and he is stoic he would never see a doctor for something trivial for his recent hip operation we were lucky enough to be able enough to go privately else he would probably still be waiting .
Meanwhile, ... on Monday I'll have my (phone) consultation with the, er, consultant about my continued swallowing disorder (achalasia) since the Heller Myotomy I had last December doesn't seem to have succeeded fully.
On another subject, I signed up to take part in some paid research program. Had a CT scan on Monday this week as part of it. It's shown something up which they want to investigate further, but which will hopefully not be anything to worry about. I mention this since without signing up for the research program, it's unlikely that I'd be aware of this thing they found (they're going to compare with the CT scan I had a couple of years ago whilst diagnosing the oesophagus issue, and have booked me in for a further scan in 2 month's time), and it's down to luck of circumstances that an early identification has taken place. The additional irony is that I'll have actually been paid to take the fortuitous CT scan this week.
Quote from: 1955vintage on April 25, 2024, 08:55:18 PMThe 'health care practitioner' is a glorified nurse or physiotherapist who has a Blue Peter badge. After nine months of pushing to see a doctor I was finally seen for an endoscopy. I was referred to a cancer nurse in case the biopsy showed malignant cells.
Fortunately I got the all clear but would have helped if the GP had seen me earlier.
Do you know how much training and expertise these 'glorified nurses' have? As an example, my daughter has 25 years nursing experience, plus a masters' degree, and a prescribing qualification. As well as managing her team and seeing patients she teaches trainee doctors and nurses in her speciality. A wee bit more than a Blue Peter badge. As I said in my earlier post, I had excellent treatment from an ACP at the walk in centre.
Good news that you got the all clear.
I recall the comedian Harry Hill saying that when he was a practising doctor, if he or any of his colleagues wanted to know what treatment to give, they asked the nurses.
Amazingly sitting waiting for a real doctor. Maybe they are not as hard to reach as I thought.
Quote from: GrannyMac on April 25, 2024, 10:12:47 PMHave you been diagnosed with osteoporosis Raven? Thinning bone density affects lots of older people, especially women. I hope you're doing better now.
Yes unfortunately, it's hit me a lot harder than I expected it to. The surgeon in Ninewells told me he thought I did have it that's why he wanted me to have the scan, it's why when I fell the bone shattered didn't just break.
It's made me so wary of everything I do and to be honest it's scaring the hell out of me, it's even altered the way I think. Not been up on the clydes since I got the results....and that's not me, I love the evening beach rides.
I'm on 2 more meds....groan. One I take twice a day and the other is only once a week, so far no side effects from it but there's a lot of not nice ones, I've to phone the Doctor at once if any do appear.
I'm thinking of heading away down to Perth soon as I really need some alone time, this has all made me snappy, upset and probably not nice to be around.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1zB8Mv2K/thumbnail-2.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Quote from: GrannyMac on April 26, 2024, 07:28:43 AMDo you know how much training and expertise these 'glorified nurses' have? As an example, my daughter has 25 years nursing experience, plus a masters' degree, and a prescribing qualification. As well as managing her team and seeing patients she teaches trainee doctors and nurses in her speciality. A wee bit more than a Blue Peter badge. As I said in my earlier post, I had excellent treatment from an ACP at the walk in centre.
Good news that you got the all clear.
Absolutely true regarding highly qualified and experienced nurses.
Let the greedy junior doctors go on strike. Promote the best nurses and offer them a pay rise.
I'm sure the consultants would go along with that too.
Eastern European doctor. She seemed keen. Blood test to book, an ultrasound scan booked, told to monitor BP for 4 days ( but the text missed out the link to send results) and a lifestyle councillor will be calling to book me in. Plus some alternative pills to statins which I won't take prescribed but only to be started post blood test results.
I went in because of an intermittent pain in my leg.
The blood test at the hospital is a joke. First available appointment 16 May. This used to be a walk in service pre covid.
Called about missing results link. A mystery. It is supposed to be autogenerated. They sent another text, Still no link. I volunteered to write results down and take them in. Sorted.
Nothing seems to work well in the NHS. Falling to bits.
We must be lucky here, as well a a city centre GP walk in, there's a blood testing drive through centre. And when you've been referred for an xray, no appointment is needed, just walk in. There's a specialist children's hospital with it's own A&E, a cancer hospital, and two huge general hospitals.
I've been offered surgery next month, but I've put it off as I'm going to Scotland in July and don't want to cancel. I haven't been 'home' for a couple of years.
April 26, 2024, 05:58:57 PMQuote from: Raven on April 26, 2024, 09:51:19 AMYes unfortunately, it's hit me a lot harder than I expected it to. The surgeon in Ninewells told me he thought I did have it that's why he wanted me to have the scan, it's why when I fell the bone shattered didn't just break.
It's made me so wary of everything I do and to be honest it's scaring the hell out of me, it's even altered the way I think. Not been up on the clydes since I got the results....and that's not me, I love the evening beach rides.
I'm on 2 more meds....groan. One I take twice a day and the other is only once a week, so far no side effects from it but there's a lot of not nice ones, I've to phone the Doctor at once if any do appear.
I'm thinking of heading away down to Perth soon as I really need some alone time, this has all made me snappy, upset and probably not nice to be around.
Sorry to hear that Raven, quite a worry for you. I can see why you're being so careful. I hope things improve with the treatment.
Thanks GM. :smiley:
All the best to you Raven..
I can understand how sad it is when having to give up something we enjoy doing...
Thanks Scrumpy. :smiley:
Nurses are usually blessed with more common sense than doctors and more compassion.However, the training requirement for nurses is not the same, the selection process is much tougher for doctors, if you want a diagnosis, go to a doctor.
I wonder if there is an accelerated course for talented nurses to become doctors ?
A lot for you to take in Raven, I wish you well with the treatment :upvote:
Quote from: 1955vintage on April 26, 2024, 09:55:41 PMNurses are usually blessed with more common sense than doctors and more compassion.However, the training requirement for nurses is not the same, the selection process is much tougher for doctors, if you want a diagnosis, go to a doctor.
Absolutely. However, ACPs/ANPs are matron grade. They have undertaken far more training than nurses or paramedics, and carry out a lot of the work that used to be undertaken by doctors. In theory they free up the doctors for more complex cases and also save the NHS money.
My wife worked for the NHS as a occupational therapist. Her assistant , who was bone idle and useless, was offered the chance to be a health care practitioner. She encouraged the move to get rid of the assistant.
Quote from: Alex on April 27, 2024, 07:53:45 AMA lot for you to take in Raven, I wish you well with the treatment :upvote:
Thanks Alex. :smiley:
Quote from: GrannyMac on April 27, 2024, 08:48:14 AMAbsolutely. However, ACPs/ANPs are matron grade. They have undertaken far more training than nurses or paramedics, and carry out a lot of the work that used to be undertaken by doctors. In theory they free up the doctors for more complex cases and also save the NHS money.
I agree, and I see this as a sensible, practical solution to the problems today.
With a rapidly increasing population today in this country, the difficulty of being seen by a health professional - any health professional - is a foreseeable consequence.
The obvious solution, which could effectively reverse this trend, is clear to me but for some reason the people running this country seem oblivious to it.
Quote from: dextrous63 on April 25, 2024, 04:45:56 PMIn which case someone else can have the physio session. Best thing would be for you to peg out.
Ouch Dex - that's a bit harsh!
Quote from: Silver Tabby on April 27, 2024, 07:47:11 PMOuch Dex - that's a bit harsh!
Oops. Have I put my foot in it again?😳
Quote from: klondike on April 26, 2024, 11:45:00 AMNothing seems to work well in the NHS. Falling to bits.
After having NHS physiotherapy on and off since 2019 for a painful hip, I took myself off to a private physio who was recommended by a friend. What a difference!
She recommended that I go to Spire to see a consultant who is a hip expert. I saw him two days later and he had my NHS X-ray up on his screen. Ten minutes (and £250 lighter) I had a diagnosis of hip abductor malfunction.
I googled it and found some exercises. Two weeks later the pain was much less but I still have weak legs.
I went back to the physio who watched me doing the exercises and pointed out that I was favoring my stronger leg. We had some useful discussions.
We can't see a GP but are pushed into seeing a life coach who has no medical qualifications!
April 27, 2024, 08:14:20 PMRaven, I hope your new treatments help. I feel sorry that you can no longer ride.
I used to do a lot of riding and when we were on holiday, I had the opportunity to have a ride but decided that I wouldn't bounce too well now!
Turns out my cough is covid. I thought I recognised it from before. First test was negative but as it was a year out of date I got some more off Amazon and there is a faint Test line showing. Will see what it shows tomorrow.
Google check on timeline suggests I was infected before attending the doctors so probably a gift from Lidl. Annoying but fairly mild as it was the first time.
Lidl !!!!!! In the middle aisle.. !!!!!
Hope it clears up soon k. 🤞🏼
Thanks. It did last time I got it and this feels very similar.
all the best, sir
Quote from: GrannyMac on April 30, 2024, 07:55:51 PMHope it clears up soon k. 🤞🏼
I agree.
I got it last year and it felt like nobbut a slight cold.
I think the people who suffer most probably have quite a weak constitution, not that I'm entirely healthy!
Yep. I had it a couple of years back annoying cough and snotty. No temperature. Feels like a cold. Crappy first night. Not so bad last night. I dug out my old timeline - I know when I was infected then (granddaughter) and the time to symptoms suggest it could well have been the doctors rather than Lidl or any other excursions.
During the pandemic most of those really ill with covid were both old and with pre-extisting conditions. I wrote an app that grabbed the stats and produced spreadsheets.
Well, I hope you get better soon Klondy.
In the meantime, I hope that you've left details of your login details on here with someone, just in case😬😉
Funny you should ask. This bloke came round asking that too yesterday...
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Quote from: klondike on May 01, 2024, 11:44:42 AMYep. I had it a couple of years back annoying cough and snotty. No temperature. Feels like a cold. Crappy first night. Not so bad last night. I dug out my old timeline - I know when I was infected then (granddaughter) and the time to symptoms suggest it could well have been the doctors rather than Lidl or any other excursions.
During the pandemic most of those really ill with covid were both old and with pre-extisting conditions. I wrote an app that grabbed the stats and produced spreadsheets.
Yes! All those snotty people sitting in the waiting room!