Blood tests

[Diamondbabe]

Please can I ask if the District nurse can take blood tests?My husband was in hospital last Saturday with sodium levels at 125. He had a drop then sent home.

Our gp has requested repeat bloods to monitor his sodium.

I took him to the blood clinic and was turned away because it was full, even though they had just opened. Was told to make an appointment. Can't get one until 4th march.

Rang the gp, they don't do them there.

He has 4 fractures in his lumbar so in a lot of pain and minimal ability to walk.

Thank you

[Readlots]

In my area the GP can book an appointment for you sooner than you can book them online. I know that at least one surgery that had a community nurse who did blood tests at home for warfarin. I’d try ringing the GP and explaining the situation, if they can’t get a community nurse to do it, they may be able to book an appointment for you, they have special access. Also check the online bookings again because sometimes they release more appointments. Good luck

[Mango5cm]

when my son was diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis I asked for blood tests from his GP every two weeks as I wanted to monitor his results ( I get them immediately on the NHS app and I can access his health records as well as mine ) I requested the district nurses to do home visits for the tests . His blood results have been stable for 6 month now so we’ve reduced the tests to once a month. I believe we have a right to request certain treatment for ourselves and family . I keep in touch with the GP by sending emails - upto now it’s working and I feel better as I’m trying hard to do everything I can to help him.it’s such a difficult time for families on this forum . Regards Carol

[Lantana100]

They certainly are able to take a blood sample at home for patients who have difficulty getting to a GP or clinic - which is your situation. Your biggest issue during these current difficult times with the NHS will be trying to book a visit but persevere as this is the whole remit of a community nurse’s job.

[Kristian]

Hi Diamondbabe,

The blood tests for you husband are not a "nice to have". He has been in a critical situation and these tests are critical monitoring to ensure he isn't still in danger. Your gp needs to do better! They cannot just palm you off and expect you to sort these out. If they don't do tests at the practice, THEY need to get you an appointment at the blood clinic in a time frame that reflects the urgency of your husbands condition. THIS CANNOT BE LEFT TILL MARCH!

Maybe first port of call is get back on to your gp practice and explain the situation and ask them to make the appointment.

There's a duty of care issue here and I appreciate everyone is busy. But, thats no excuse to be negligent in a critical patient's care.

If he has a hospital consultant may be speak to their secretary too. They can also set up something at the hospital if needs be. But, if he's not mobile then a visiting nurse would be a better option if that's possible in your area.

Good luck.

[Diamondbabe]

Thank you so much for all your support.I am so upset that his care has been dismissed so flippantly.

I accept he isn't helping himself, but I am struggling myself as well.

I have emailed the gp this morning to ask for help to get his bloods checked.

His appointment with the hepatology consultant was cancelled from last November to March.

It has been cancelled again until June now.

I don't understand why.

He was referred to her last May.

It's not fair.