Follow up appointments- another update

[Curlyanne]

Hello again

I posted recently about taking the decision to contact PALs over the long delay between discharge and receipt of results and follow up appointment following hospitalisation for acute myocarditis.

Not only did I receive an appointment with the consultant two days after calling them, but I also received a call from the consultant at home. He took the time to explain my results and gave me the opportunity to ask questions before my appointment on 23 Aug. He fully understood my concerns.

I then received a second call from the second hospital I was transferred to, asking about my concerns and they advised they would feedback my concerns over the transition from inpatient to outpatient and the follow up process.

The phone call from the consultant was a huge relief. I’m no longer feeling scared and vulnerable. I had imagined all sorts of horrible things about my health and future.

Proves to me that contacting PALs was definitely the best thing I did. I was reluctant to make the call as i’m not a complainer, but when it comes to our mental and physical wellbeing, we’ll the choice wasn’t too difficult....

[Zena166]

That’s brilliant news. That’s what good care looks like. So pleased for you. And such a relief for you. And contacting PALS is not about complaining it’s about getting the best possible care treatment and outcomes for you as an individual but also for others who follow. Yes our imagination does horrible things to us I absolutely have had and still having that experience!! Take care and great to hear you feeling more relaxed. Best wishes. Zena x

[Curlyanne in reply to Zena166]

Thank you Zena!

[IanMK]

That’s a result!

For those of us outside the System, it’s not surprising that we don’t know how best to interact with it. That’s where patient advocates can help. Organisations such as the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Healthwatch are there to ensure that the Public can access the service it is funding. Asking for help to negotiate a large and diverse organisation isn’t complaining 🙂