I'm surprised at myself to be pointing people to a Daily Mail health article but Dr Phil Hammond's piece in last week's Mail is really something people who regularly need to use the NHS should read. It's all common sense but then common sense seems to desert the most headstrong of us when confronted with a doctor's surgery!
I particularly the questions he recommends asking any person treating you for a serious, life-threatening or life-limiting disease. It's not about being a 'cocky' patient, it's about putting ourselves on an equal footing to those who hold our health and wellbeing in their hands.
Are you a specialist for this particular condition?
What are the pros and cons of each option for me?
What are your personal (or your team's) outcome figures for each of these options, and how do they compare with the NHS average?
Do you know of any other specialist team in the NHS with more expertise than you, or who can offer me options you're not able to?
I'm not going to advertise Dr Phil's book on an NHS forum but you can guess what it's called in the clip below - apparently it's what doctors hum to keep timing as they are giving CPR!
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I can fully agree with that.
The Mail's headline says it better for me;
The more involved you are, the more likely you are to get the right care
That means checking your diagnosis and chasing results and referrals
It also includes finding out about your illness, treatment and rights
The article goes on to say 'If you get access to a specialist nurse, it can make a huge difference to the quality of your care ' Better still is access to an expert patient or patients they live with it 24/7 not 9-5. This is where the internet and disease/condition specific forums can be really useful.
Why have I found myself checking their GMC qualification ? i've even had them saying in Primary Care don't deal with with cardio, respiratory with local A&E Closed & telecare not happening for what is happening with the Training as years ago with attitudes Iv'e seen would never been granted Dr qualification .Bring back the Hippocratic oath linked to Nhs Constitution 'ASAP before its too late.
Sad to see that majority of GP’s and Specialists are more computer /tech savy than patient
savy.
They appear to have NO EI-emotional intelligence just as they treat the condition -your dis-ease separately from you as a person and not only that but if you have 2and more medical conditions -beware!
Only one is focussed at at a time instead of looking at treating the conditions together and maximising potential for healing .
This leaves the patient open to overdose of prescription meds , risk of side effects besides the emotional damage.
My experience is that GPs can not be trusted with my health. The default diagnosis these days seems to be "you're depressed".
Also ...standard consultation ...so what would you like me to do ....?
So how does having a skin condition that dames your self esteem and affects your perspective make you feel ...??
My response ..in my head of course ....
How the F#%^^do you think it makes me feel ...I’m here for a consult to check my skin ..which I’ve been waiting 1(one ) year for & in 15min that’s your response...whilst of course ...tapping away at the key board & checking google !
What, all GPs can't be trusted?
Have you always been of that opinion or is it just since your diagnosis?
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mrschips - since I was left very ill and told that I was depressed which was nonsense, as has been proved. Prefer to avoid the NHS as I have zero confidence in it.
I investigate complaints from nurses and patients regarding the NHS & private ...I would like to write a book ...or something about the incompetence and wastage in the NHS.
‘Too Brass’-Hospital Directors, HR Directors in hospitals in NHS are NOT LISTENING NOR HEARING as long as they get their big fat pay checks.
Have spoken to a few ..about -changes and quality care- ..who ask me what’s MY problem as the NHS will never change & the way to get to the top is to shut up & stay under the radar until you collect pension & even then come back as an advisor-on the board - after you collect your pension -and tell them what they want to hear.
So...I don’t have work ..because I won’t listen.
Zero confidence in ALL the NHS or just in relation to your thyroid?
In an ideal world this would obviously be good advice... But before you act upon it, be aware that an alarming number of professionals in the NHS do not have the respect for patients or maturity to react to these questions in the helpful way they should. And with many people being made to suffer well over a year for the care/treatment they seriously need, this may only extend your wait longer.
I'm not saying don't do it, just make sure you have considered how these actions could affect you negatively as well as positively. The NHS is not an organisation our country can be proud of.
That said, always make sure you are paying full attention to who and and what is involved in your care. I wouldn't of believed some of the stuff I saw in hospital if I hadn't seen it myself, some of the negligence is truly horrific...
I’ve seen it from both sides -it’s scary & I’m a healthcare professional !!!!consulting privately What about the ordinary patient with no language skills etc etc or too afraid to speak up.
I try to address these issues but feel I’m fighting losing battle .
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