N.H.S. views and experiences

[Nurseandy]

I've just had a phone call with dermatology about a skin lesion that bleeds in sunlight - I've been the waiting list for 24 weeks, only another 67 to go! True story. Thankfully I know a dermatology specialist nurse and numerous doctors and no one thinks it's malignant so no stress but it'd be unfunny if I didn't have those contacts.

[deckard]

I have just returned from a visit to a&e after a tooth abscess went to hell at the recommendation of my dentist. 6 hour end to end to be seen by a maxillofacial specialist; turns out I need no further action right now, but I'm still pretty impressed with the service tbh. Bloods taken and x-rayed within the first hour, the remaining 5 hours to see someone isnt great, and I wasn't dying (those are the times we care about), but I have to say I was impressed with everyone who looked after me.

Right now, I'm pretty sore, I've a very very swolen face, and I'm told to just complete my course of antibiotics and massage out the remaining abscess myself. Thats off topic, but top and bottom is looking after yourself is the best preparation you can do, and I'm guilty of not doing that; too much pressure from work, and it's a wake-up call for me and fair to say I did the NHS no favours today.

Not that I was unaware, but this week has really brought home that any treatment beyond the very basic is not possible as self care.

[jansman]

I have just returned from a visit to a&e after a tooth abscess went to hell at the recommendation of my dentist. 6 hour end to end to be seen by a maxillofacial specialist; turns out I need no further action right now, but I'm still pretty impressed with the service tbh. Bloods taken and x-rayed within the first hour, the remaining 5 hours to see someone isnt great, and I wasn't dying (those are the times we care about), but I have to say I was impressed with everyone who looked after me.

Right now, I'm pretty sore, I've a very very swolen face, and I'm told to just complete my course of antibiotics and massage out the remaining abscess myself. Thats off topic, but top and bottom is looking after yourself is the best preparation you can do, and I'm guilty of not doing that; too much pressure from work, and it's a wake-up call for me and fair to say I did the NHS no favours today.

Not that I was unaware, but this week has really brought home that any treatment beyond the very basic is not possible as self care.

You are so correct when you tell us ,through experience,that your treatment needed professional help. Many may well criticise our NHS,but it is there when you need it. We all know that. The problem ( and I’ve seen it) is that people don’t ,sorry cannot,understand that the medics have to prioritise treatment. The most needy need it first!
Our NHS is wonderful. I have been two days in hospital myself,and I was dealt with quickly upon admission,as I was in a bit of a state.A doctor who was checking me over genuinely asked me why I was so pleasant with all the staff! I told her that I cannot believe the attitudes of people, especially as such treatment costs nothing upon need. She quietly told me that she was from Algeria,and her dad had *ancer like me,and it was costing the family a fortune.Indeed the treatments I had in two days I dread to think of when it comes to cost!

[Arzosah]

That's so sad to think a doctor asked why you're so nice to the staff, jansman I was aware of all the drunks at the weekend, of course, but I hadn't quite put it together about recent behavioural collapse and what that would mean for the NHS staff.

Deckard, I don't think you've gone off topic at all - that not only is self care one of the best ways we can help the NHS, but also the thing about antibiotics plus self massage. It's better than having more drugs, I suppose, but its a bit of a shock to see that that's actually recommended now.

[deckard]

Totally agree, I came across some right shitbags on 2 occasions during my visit, and there's no need for it. It's a sociatal problem in my opinion; a certain ilk of people used to getting what they want whilst behaving in a deplorable manner, with no deterrent.

My self care at home isn't going the best, but I'm persisting at the moment.

[jansman]

Totally agree, I came across some right shitbags on 2 occasions during my visit, and there's no need for it. It's a sociatal problem in my opinion; a certain ilk of people used to getting what they want whilst behaving in a deplorable manner, with no deterrent.

My self care at home isn't going the best, but I'm persisting at the moment.

You are spot on deckard. I was in a ward of six. I was the youngest. The other five blokes were all 70 years +. Not that that was the issue. However the old boy opposite was one ignorant pig! He was horrible. For an 80 year old I would have expected better manners. It proved that age has no part of being rude to those helping you!
On the flip side,the most pleasant person was the youngest nurse. It was like being treated by one of my daughters!
If there’s a positive outcome from that ,good manners help you in a bad situation!

[deckard]

You are spot on deckard. I was in a ward of six. I was the youngest. The other five blokes were all 70 years +. Not that that was the issue. However the old boy opposite was one ignorant pig! He was horrible. For an 80 year old I would have expected better manners. It proved that age has no part of being rude to those helping you!
On the flip side,the most pleasant person was the youngest nurse. It was like being treated by one of my daughters!
If there’s a positive outcome from that ,good manners help you in a bad situation!

Yes, as they say good manners cost nothing. On that note though, and I think this is especially important in these sorts of scenarios; I always try to think about the clarity of my message - still important to be direct, politeness can sometimes muddy the waters.

Going back the the rude ones though, theres a threshold where I'd speak up or get involved and at least in one of the situations I'd have spoken up, but I was too much of a wounded animal. Normally does no good with those types anyway.

[Mad Scientist]

Last October I broke my wrist. Seen quickly in A and E, X -rayed and splinted pretty quickly. I was referred to a Bone Health team as I’m over 50 and had a bone density scan and physiotherapy to do at home and two appointments with the hand therapist. I’m so grateful they are there and I don’t have to cough up for it. The staff are run off their feet half the time poor buggers.

[jansman]

Last Thursday I had yet another of my seizures This time was a good ‘un. So much so that Mrs J called an ambulance,as she was worried about me having another while she drove.
Whilst the queue was full,I was checked and treated well. When I was seen by the doctor I was treated with absolute respect and dignity.When I was moved to the Oncology wards,I was parked next to an American chap who had *ancer and was here to see his daughter. He was absolutely amazed at the way he was dealt with and treated,and for nothing!

This Monday I went to my GP for a blood test. No waiting.Yesterday was an MRI Scan,20 minutes early. Today will be phone calls ; 9am to 9.30 my Oncologist. 10.30 to 11 my GP. Day off on Thursday,Friday Chemotherapy.

What a service!

[GillyBee]

Most GPs of my acquaintance went into medicine to help people like you, Jansman, and will quietly prioritise anyone with a serious issue if possible.
But they also see a flood of "worried well" and minor issues thanks to the non-stop horror stories in the press. These are always accompanied by the "If worried, check with your GP" tagline. There is another flood of paperwork needed to prove that a GP surgery is looking after it's patients properly. Add in an ever increasing number of older people who need more care than youngsters and difficulty recruiting staff whether GPs or admins and it is easy to see why so many complain.