A good example of NHS muddle

[TJRN1959]

Ten days ago I was rushed into hospital under blues and twos, having developed a chest infection which exacerbated my asthma. The paramedics were brilliant - once they arrived - 25 minutes is a long time to wait when every breath is a mammoth effort. Anyway, nebulisation, hospitalisation and then a mountain of prednisolone and amoxicillin later, and here we are, safe home again. The obligatory visit to the GP followed, during which the Dr said that it would be very helpful if she could have a sight of the ambulance crew's log of their attendance, as it should include the numbers they recorded for BP, SpO2, pulse, peak flow etc during the immediate crisis, and en-route to hospital. Apparently these reports aren't routinely made available to GPs, but are available to the patient on request.

Except that when I approached the ambulance Trust they said that obtaining the report is a lengthy and involved process, and that a fee would be payable. They then suggested that I should ask my GP to get a copy of the report - apparently it's much easier and quicker.

So who do I believe, the GP or the ambulance Trust? They each have given me utterly contradictory statements, and I'm no nearer obtaining what is potentially a vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle. It seems reasonable to me to believe that key readings taken during an asthma attack, and in immediately post-nebulisation would indeed be very useful.

The irony is, the paramedic who looked after me in the ambulance, and dare I suggest it, possibly saved my life, spent roughly half the journey putting an IV line into my arm, and half the journey writing up his notes on a vast yellow sheet of paper. Both required an amazing amount of dexterity on his part. The cannula was used when I arrived at A&E to administer an intravenous antibiotic, the note taking was apparently a complete waste of time.

[gamba]

I’m sorry you were so poorly and hope you continue to feel better. If I was you I’d go back to the GP and explain what the ambulance people told you. I should think your GP would be able to get that information.

As an aside I recently had tests in the respiratory clinic and didn’t hear anything. At a routine visit to my practice nurse I asked what the results were. She said I would need to contact the hospital. I said I’d tried (I had) but wasn’t getting through to anyone. She then logged into a computer system and told me the results in the spot. Make of that what you will!

[Matman]

Can understand your frustration. Hope you don’t have any further incidents. Guess one lesson learnt for all of us is to ask for our Numbers prior to discharge. Shouldn’t have to but seems a useful move.