WHAT TO DO

[katieoxo60]

Hi everyone , what a lovely change in the weather . Hopefully it will stay all weekend. Now I went to the nurse the other day and she is saying I have not had a review of my COPD . But the nurse did one in June and tried me on a different inhaler however it seems the practice nurse who has now retired did not do a follow up report on the computer. Right now I am buried in medical confusion receiving messages on my phone about needing flu injections but can't get an appointment as I did not attend the big general one for everyone on the 16th due to other commitments I managed to book one for the COVID 19 for tomorrow, I will have to ask if I can book a flu one when I go up to the chemist as our surgery can't seem to tell me when they can give me one. But What do I do about the lack of details in respect of the COPD report that is of no help to the new nurse or DR. We are still awaiting a report in respect of the removal of a lesion last month but that's to be expected as the Drs have been on strike so no time for computer reports. Any suggestions as I do not want to waste the doctors time on routine checks for existing chronic illness while we need to be keeping on top of the injections to prevent pandemics in the winter. ? Others opinions would be appreciated. Its ironical in our city we are about to open a new 8 story treatment centre in central area specifically for Lung and Heart conditions to take the weight off the GPs surgeries. I am confused.

[Troilus]

I had a couple of similar experiences with the reviews. The first experience was like yours - I had my review, then I couldn’t order my meds. There was no record of it on their system apart from the appointment. The receptionist arranged for the nurse to ring me and we did a quick review on the phone. The second time I took a look at my medical records for something and found a review that wasn’t mine - the peak flow was right, but the rest wasn’t. Of course, nobody could tell me how that had happened but I had to have yet another review again over the phone.

Perhaps that is the answer here. Ask that as you have already had a review can they just do one over the telephone. As for your flu jab, my husband and I are getting flu and covid jabs at the same time - one in each arm. We have done this for the past 2 years. If your GP surgery cannot accommodate this I’d have a look on line to see which of your local pharmacies are offering them.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Troilus]

Well I managed to get flu injection & Covid 19 yesterday at local chemist. I may have to ring the GP as you suggest and ask for a telephone review. I am due a review in three months for several tablets anyway . The only drug with doubts is one inhaler that was prescribed by the hospital a long time ago. Thank you for reply.

[Hidden]

the vacc situation at your surgery seems as potty as it is at mine. In frustrationI booked my covid at at a centre in Alcester. When I got there they asked me if I wanted flu also so I had it. Maybe ask the pharmacy for your flu jab at the same time when you go for your covid. They get paid for them so should be happy.

You aren’t wasting anybody’s time having a proper review and record of your copd. It is the responsibility of the practice to keep proper records and the fact that a member of staff failed to do so is not your problem. Book your review Nd hold them to account.

[Morrison10 in reply to Hidden]

I’ve mostly given up expecting my surgery to do more than repeat prescriptions. I have an annual face to face review with my consultant, and can ring her when have queries. However mustn’t forget that was born with rare condition PCD, so most doctors don’t know and can’t be bothered to enquire. Haven’t heard anything from them about jabs, but daughter looked on line, found surgery near me not in the Group Practice that my surgery is in. Got appointment immediately, had both jabs, one in each arm, very efficient. Had tenderness few days, now ok. Daughter had hers as my carer, although we don’t live together, see her 3 days per week. Good luck, hope can get review and jabs soon. Jean x

[Hidden in reply to Morrison10]

Lots of people with bronch have it because they have PCD. (According to my consultant) As GPs don’t know anything about bronch it’s hardly surprising that they know even less about PCD. Well done your daughter in being pro active to get you the vacc.

[katieoxo60 in reply to Hidden]

I got both injections at my local chemist yesterday. I agree with you if they have made a mistake then that's not my problem it's theirs the appointment is recorded and some detail on the practice computer the nurses use, but not very clear the out come.

[Patk1]

I'd ask tomorrow if they can do flu jab at same time x

[Bevvy]

Worth asking about flu jab when you go for Covid jab. I was offered both at same time which was what I wanted.

[Tykelady]

In our area (South Lakes) they are doing both at once via the surgery but I also had an offer from the pharmacy where I had the flu jab last year.

[Alberta56]

I'm not surprised you're confused. I feel confused just reading your story.