Has anyone used PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

[Foss33]

I know a few of us are still no further regarding getting added to shielding list and obtaining vaccine. I have been backwards and forwards between GP and Haematology so many times I have lost count and I am still no further forward. It is making me really anxious now, the thought of going back to work in a school frankly terrifies me which is what I'll have to do without shielding letter, just wondered if anyone had tried using PALS to complain and if so did you have any success? was it a lengthy process?

Thanks all

Andrea

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Andrea, sorry that you are having this problem, very stressful for you. Did you download and take a copy of the letter we issued in conjunction with Blood Cancer UK, to advise GPs to add people with MPNs onto the shielded patient list

healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

best wishes, Maz

[Foss33 in reply to Mazcd]

I've taking it to my GP and e-mailed to my Haematologist secretary and still I am getting nowhere. Nobody will take responsibility and deal with it for me,I honestly feel like a kid asking mum to write a letter to get out of PE, neither are taking me seriously. There was 20+ positive cases of Covid at my partners work yesterday, fortunately he tested negative, the anxiety of it all is so stressful. I just want to be listened to.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Foss33]

Hi Andrea, it might be an idea to contact the PALS to see if they can help you, it's worth a try. What a relief your partner tested negative, especially with so many cases where he works, very worrying for you all. Best wishes, Maz x

[Foss33 in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Maz,PALS couldn't help because could only deal with complaints or concerns re hospital. They referred my to NHS England, I got through to them after a couple of hours, they confirmed what we already know that this is for GP to sort out.I have written a letter to practice complaints manager with Blood cancer UK/ Prof Harrison letter enclosed again, my Dad has hand delivered it this afternoon. NHS England said if I don't get a satisfactory resolution from complaints manager to ask for a second opinion from another GP and if still not resolved ring them back and they will raise a concern.

I chased Haematology again, still no response or call back from them. It is so unfair that we should have to fight, thanks again for your help and concern, I am truly hoping this practice complaints manager will resolve for me.

[MCW22 in reply to Foss33]

I had a similar fight last year and finally resolved it by writing to the gp practice telling them they were going against the government guidelines . Keep us informed as to how it goes.

[Foss33 in reply to MCW22]

Thank you, I will do.I haven't received a call back today but will be chasing up tomorrow.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice in reply to Foss33]

fingers crossed that it works X. Maz

[Minu68]

Hi Andrea, so sorry you are still in the midst of this :(I got somewhere with the haemotology department , phew, they listened, were unaware of the letter, but agreed that I should go into group 4. That was a week ago, been chasing it with the gp, and yesterday suddenly got a text inviting me for the vaccine! Nothing has changed on my patient records, but I presume I am now in the right category.

Getting the vaccine tomorrow, sending you the energy and determination to keep going getting them to recognise our vulnerabilities. thinking of you, Nu x

[Foss33 in reply to Minu68]

Thank you for your kind reply. I am so pleased for you that you have managed to get sorted. I am getting there, I have a vaccine booked now however I cannot get anyone to add me to the shielding list as in the words of the lady who called on behalf of my consultant today "I am no different to Joe Bloggs in the street" needless to say my faith in them is now 0 and I am really uspet by this. My last hope is GP adding me to shielding list when letter is picked up by practice manager. Andrea x

[tracey13]

I'd definitely try phoning pals they really good at sorting things out.

Tracey

[Jlah]

So pleased that you’re getting the vaccine. Jx

[Borage]

I had a concern related to Covid and wrote to my M.P. The issue was corrected in the Prime Ministers Statement the next day, and I had a charming e-mail in reply from my M.P. Mr Gavin Williamson.

You could have knocked me down with a feather!