Just a quick one. I'm having a call with my doctor but my real gripe is with my hospital consultant who has been told not to dismiss my case however time and time again he has. If it wasn't for the surgery (who honestly haven't been great either) I wouldn't have been seen at all.
I'm thinking about calling up PALs and having a word with the head consultant but are PALs any good at resolving things? Or should I just ask to change hospitals?
No joy with PALs and no joy with the Chief xecutive either who stood by a very unpleasant surgeon who did an endoscopy on me.Plus no joy with another chief exec.!!I am not a chronic complainer by the way.
Oh no you have every right to complain and so does every person who has to deal with incompetent doctors who refuse to do their job.
Alright, thanks for this, giving me an idea of the battle I have ahead of me.
❤️
I made a formal complaint about my care in November 2019.
I finally managed to resolve my complaint which was delayed because of Covid.
I received a full apology from the Trust, as well as a plan to update the staff involved in my care by educating them about my less common heart condition.
I have also been invited to talk to all the senior nursing staff about my experience once the Covid restrictions are lifted in June.
Be prepared to be persistent and determined.
Most of all remind them all of their responsibility to respond with candour as required by their regulatory bodies and the NHS Constitution.
I love that last bit too, I think that's an excellent point!
PALS were no Joy for me. I would not bother waste of time. I complained once to them and they sided with the doctors who they mix with on a day to bases. you can not be independent if you work in the same place as them.
Pals are good they have sorted several disputes . It also flags up the problem so the NHS can improve their service . Good luck
I talked to PALs when I was being given the run around and was unable to get an appointment for an eye procedure. They sorted it out pretty quickly I have to say. I thought the best approach was to be polite, explain the issue, and ask for their help.
Hahaha I went to sleep and I woke up to a range of different of responses. Thank you for all commenting. I'm still going to give them a bell, plus I have a made an Excel sheet with a list of my symptoms as of recent - so hopefully that might help my case. But as is being flagged - I am prepared for it to go nowhere.
Thanks again <3
I've always found Pals useful - and they deal with things quickly!
I had success last week with PALS. They emailed the consultant and he responded straight away. I think it can work.
I had success with PALS after I lodged a formal complaint about a pain clinic that gave me an injection without even asking or warning me; just stuck the needle in without warning. They should have kept me there to watch for side effects but just sent me home. I was terribly ill after it for 3 weeks. However the complaint took 3 years in all to be fully addressed. Yes I got a result; procedures were changed and the consultant was censured but the length of time was ridiculous. I've done better with our local PALS when I just had problems with communication
Oh my, I am so sorry Qualipop! That's absolutely horrible, that shouldn't' of happened.
True but it did. It won't now happen to anyone else.
Qualipop,
I thought my complaint taking nearly 18 months was bad enough, 3 years is just outrageous 😠
Hi similar to you my GP has been fantastic but cardiology services dire. I’ve used PALS previously and not been impressed about another matter........rude staff (not to my self thou). Your other option is your local health watch which maybe able to help. I’ve been waiting 9 months for an ablation was originally told it was a year but no idea now as told that quality of life is no longer considered just life threatening and cancer care which I appreciate are more serious but surely quality of life is important
You're absolutely right and I think you've highlighted something that I didn't think of. It's my quality of life that has been majorly affected and the fact that we've essentially been dismissed. It's really upsetting but that's what this forum is for right? Supporting each other the best that we can.
I hope that you get the procedure you need and things get better for you.
Thank you. I was so shocked when the cardiology rang me for my postponed august review two days ago and told me quality of life no longer considered. I’m now in AF most days and on maximum dose age of beta blocker.
Same actually, I too am on the highest dosage of beta blockers. I have a funny feeling they're going to down the same route with me but we'll see
Hello is AF not a possible life threatening condition under certain circumstances ??
I ask that as a question not knowing the answer and not trying to scare anyone with AF .
Has the dropping of Quality of Life come about through Covid they are only looking at Life Threatening currently.
I think I am correct in saying NICE still counts Quality of Life but again not 100% sure.
Vaccinated and still doing Hands Face Space to Stay Safe
Hi well my cardiologist has advised that AF is not life threatening and although I have daily events some lasting for hours A&E should only be used if you feel ill with it rather than firing on 3 cylinders rather that 4 with shortness of breath alongside chronic fatigue. Being told quality of life not a relevant factor to be considered due to long waiting list only life threatening / cancer care are current factors considered. I was rather shocked to hear this having been on waiting list for an ablation 9 months already. Have contacted Healthwatch in Surrey but so far a nil response.
Quality of life not important!
So our mental well being has no parity with our physical well being?
This is unethical and I would make a formal complaint.
The GMC code of good practice states that it is doctor's duty to not only save lives but to alleviate suffering.
Fingers crossed your area still has a effective cardiology service and you get your ablation asap
Mum - 81 - Living with Heart Failure
Microvascular disgnosis
Low pulse and Bisoprolol 
When to check in with cardiologist 
Any advice? 
