Emergency number at my local (Edinburgh) RA hospital department isn't functioning. Is now an appointments no

[cathie]

Has anyone else had the same experience? Are the cuts getting through here? It was a helpful resource if you had flares and they could deal with you quickly.

[Hidden]

Hello Cathie

Generally the lines in northumberland are to answer machine, they call back, sometimes there The resource now is NHS Choices.. I understand Scotland has on the same I believe although not sure the site is NHS Scotland although I have never needed too use it.

ERY

For information on health problems use the NHS CHOICES site if having problems or come on here

BOB

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks bob. This is a specific service we had until recently at one of the hospitals here where you can leave a message for the team they usually return your call within 24 hrs. It's not nhs choices, you can arrange emergency treatment not just advice. I'll find out what's going on! Hope you're well

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Hello Cathie

We still have that service in Northumberland they get back to us

Good luck

BOB

[cathie in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

[Scarlet-Poppy]

It's the same in Kettering now. I used to be able to phone and get a steroid injection for a flare. Now the RA nurses have taken over consultant clinics so we only see him once a year and they have no time to deal with the phones! It's such a shame as it was a huge support knowing you could get help when needed. Fortunately I have been able to get an injection at the doctors but I had to book an appt to get the presciption then collect it and then another appointment to get the nurse to do it! A right faff!! Interesting that it's now a common problem at other hospitals!

[Sailaway]

I hadn't heard that the line had been closed, but I also haven't been given the number for a while so I wonder if it has been stopped? It might be worth phoning the hospital switchboard (0131 537 1000) and asking for the Rheumatology nurse specialist or the clinic, and whoever answers might be able to tell you. There'll be a clinic on today. Other than that I don't know what other options there are apart from your GP. Not exactly ideal.

[cathie in reply to Sailaway]

Thanks ! I left a message on the old number which is still and answer machine, and have had the letter to the rheumy hand delivered to my GP, that seems like most things covered. But I could try the switchboard. I will post when I find out what has happened.

[cathie in reply to Sailaway]

A friend who was in the day unit the other day says that the emergency number is being reinstated once they appoint a new nurse. If I hear any more I will let you know.

[cathie]

Just had a reply to the message I left yesterday on this number. The nurse says that the helpline has been discontinued. The best thing to do is to ask my GP to contact the on call rheumatologist. I'm going to take this up through NRAS and any other body I can think of. It was very helpful to be able to talk to someone in an emergency. It'd be interesting to hear of the state of any other of these helplines.

[hatshepsut in reply to cathie]

That is shocking! I can hardly believe it. Think it would also be useful to contact your MSP. So far my helpline is there, and my RA nurse is fantastic! Thats Geater Glasgow. I'll ask a few questions myself! Were you not even given any notice?

[cathie in reply to hatshepsut]

No notice. MSP is a good idea. I have an appointment at the end of the month so I will gather some more information then and then go into operation

[Titchyj in reply to cathie]

Hi Cathie, I am in S. Wales, we used to have the same Monday to Friday, but because they are so busy, they have had to drop it to Mondays and Thursdays only, but they are still very helpful and do ring you back, usually the same day.

Jan

[Hidden in reply to cathie]

Hi Cathie, my helpline number direct to the nurses is still available ...Forth Valley. Hope you can get a resolution to this....there must be thousands use the WGH

[DrWhoFan]

Hi, our help line was cancelled year ago, although I have just discovered a rheumy nurse that is there 2 days a week for 1 3/4 hours. As I am having massive flare I will try to contact her tomorrow as GP has written, with no result. Our agap will not do anything without instructions from rheumy. Frustrated as in pain and cannot walk far.

[cathie in reply to DrWhoFan]

Im in same boat. Applying cold compress on hot flare, and nurofen. Hope you get better soon

[digger1]

this appointment system has been in fife since last year. so when you have a flair you just got to put up with it as if you get answer machine they have 24/36 hours to get back to you. had a flair a few times the last but 3 i had a ra nurse come to the house and give me a injection. this walk in service was obviously needed and is sorely missed. i hope your areas stays a walk in

[cathie]

NRAS are raising this with the top bods. Watch this space!

[lab-lover]

I have a 24 hr helpline number, I just leave a message and the clinic (usually my RA nurse) calls back within 24 hrs, but usually same day if during working hrs (North Wales)