How far to your 'local' Rheumatology Department?

I'm interested in the distance we have to travel to get the help and resources to improve our health. I have a long way to go and have to go on the Stagecoach bus. This makes it difficult ( sometimes impossible) to keep appointments and or reschedule to a suitable time.

[Crusee]

I live in Powys in Wales and my rheumatologist is in Gobowen in Shropshire.It is approx 39-40 miles one way journey. Fortunately my husband is retired and takes me to, and sits in with all my medical appointments which I welcome and encourage.Apart from the moral support he is an extra pair of ears to hear what is being said to me and also reminds me of things if I forget to tell the medic.

If he wasnt able to do this I would really struggle to make these appointments.

How far is it that you are travelling to see your rheumatology dept?

Take care,

Crusee

XX

[Hidden in reply to Crusee]

Inverness is the nearest for me which is about 130 miles each way! It's a good 12 hours from leaving home to getting back! I can't keep the other appointments they keep sending me, e.g. OT, Physio, lung function. All I can do is hope they get back to having the odd clinic further north. Apparently it is proving difficult to recruit Rheumatologists in Highland.

[Crusee in reply to Hidden]

Blimey Hidden that is ridiculous ! Thats more like an arduous trek rather than a medical appt. It is stressful enough going to these appts as it is without the added stress of the journey. You really dont need that.

If you are travelling in a car you can take regular stops and get out and stretch your legs occasionally,but on public transport you dont have that luxury. Sitting for a long time is not recommended.

If your rheumatolgy clinic is anything like mine they are always running at least an hour behind schedule,ok in a car you can leave when you want, but public transport is not going to wait.

All in all this must be damn near impossible for you to get any sort of an appt.

I have another clinic I attend for a different medical condition and every couple of months they run an outpatient clinic at a hospital more local to me which is helpful,its a shame your rheumy clinic dont do something like that as there must be others who are affected just like you are..

I hope that something changes for you with these appts.Is there anything your GP can do to help ?

Take care.

Crusee

XX

[Hidden in reply to Crusee]

Thanks Crusee, it was an horrendous trip on the bus. I could barely walk when we arrived at Inverness, I couldn't face it again for a while. When I got home that evening I was in a sorry state and it took me a couple of days to get over it.

[Crusee in reply to Hidden]

I am not surprised Hidden it would be enough to take the stuffing out of anyone.

I dont know where you live but I have visited the Inverness area a few times and there are some rather remote areas around there. I really feel for you and just hope you can get to see someone soon.

If you were a private patient would the process be the same ?

Crusee

XX

[Hidden in reply to Crusee]

If I were private I think I would have to go even further afield, perhaps Perth, Aberdeen or Glasgow. I'm on the north coast, when I got the OA diagnosis, 7 years ago, the Rheumatology chap came to Wick a few times a year, that would be about 40 miles each way, not too bad even on the bus. Cut backs meant they had to trim off all the excesses! They are still trimming too, you may have heard about the mums-to-be having to go to Raigmore hospital in Inverness to give birth. It's all pretty bad really.

[Crusee in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden I havent heard about the Raigmore Hospital and Inverness,but a similar sort of thing is happening in my area.

The nearest big hospital to me is Shrewsbury,which is approx 40 miles one way.They Are planning to move maternity to Telford Royal which I Think is about another 14 miles further on from there.There are also plans to move other specialisms there too.Although an extra 14 miles on the journey doesnt sound much, but when you live in a remote area in Wales where public transport is practically non existant it makes for an impossible situation the same as you.

I think the locals here have approached the MP for assistance in trying to get local facilities,is that something that would help you at all ? Ok so it's not going to happen overnight if it does at all but maybe worth a try.

I also belong to the fibromyalgia site.A member on there has been trying to organise transport to vsrioys clinics/ consultants etc .She has nade numerous calls and has found a volunteer driver service to take her,wait for her and return her home .There is a cost involved but it must cost quite a bit for the bus fare to Inverness too. But if yiu were going by car it would be a lot more comfortable than by coach and you could stop periodically as well.Do they operate such a service in your area ? If you need more info on that come back to me .

I am wishing you well and I hope there is someone who can hekp you with this ridiculous situation.

Please take care

Crusee

XX

[Riedenise]

My Rheumatologist is in Oxford at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Hospital about 17 miles from me, so not too bad. My Husband takes me as I can't drive at the moment because of my hands and shoulders.

[JEM95 in reply to Riedenise]

I'm at the NIC too - I'm about the same distance away.

But, parking is a nightmare - there are simply not enough spaces. I parked in a side road out of desperation last time and got a £70 parking ticket (reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days).

Wonder if I could helicopter in?!

Great service once I get there though.

[Jacey15]

That must be such an extra strain you could really do without. I am really fortunate to only live 1.5 miles away but also as I work in the same hospital I only have to pop down the corridor.

[Hidden]

I can't drive any longer either. We don't have a car as we make do with the tractor. When I went to Inverness to see the consultant rheumatologist it was the first time I'd been out of the county for over 20 years. I didn't enjoy the long bus trip at all.

[Hidden]

I know there are folk on Orkney with RA, I'm 'luckier' than they are.

[helixhelix in reply to Hidden]

There is one member in Orkney who has tried out tele-medicine. Perhaps that's something you could ask about? Not for every appointment, but might be useful sometimes?

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Yes, I'm going to ask about it. I read the article and it could well be useful for in between appointments.

[Matilda_1922]

I live about 10 miles away. I usually travel by bus as my husband doesn't drive and driving for me is getting difficult.

[Hidden in reply to Matilda_1922]

Hello Matilda, I haven't been able to drive for quite some time due to my feet, ankles and hands. It's a pest when you have to go somewhere, but a blessing too as you don't have to join in the crazy dance with other drivers.

[Matilda7]

On a good day with the sun shining I can get there on my electric bike!

[Hidden in reply to Matilda7]

Give us a lift Matilda?

[helixhelix]

My rheumatologist is 50 miles away....to get there by public transport would be a 3 mile walk, then four different buses. So all in all I'm pleased that OH can drive.

[Hidden in reply to helixhelix]

Years ago the 3 mile walk would have been heavenly and the four different buses a great adventure. How things change!

[Ali_H]

That is flaming rediculous! Write to your GP!

I have to confess that when I read that you were relying on a tractor I had a fleeting image of you making a week long trek on the blessed thing to appointments which gave me rye chuckle- sorry!!

Ali

[Hidden in reply to Ali_H]

Hi Ali, well you made me laugh too. I suppose the problem is that if you live miles from big towns and cities you can't expect professional folk to want the same thing. They can't get full time GPs at my practice, only half the required nurses at the local hospital, vacant teacher posts etc etc. It seems that living where there is hardly any crime in a safe and quiet area has significant drawbacks when you get slammed in the chops with a life changing ailment.

[Eiram50]

Wow, how to make tough times, tougher?! That seems extraordinary that you are expected to travel so far. Isn't there hospital transport available to help?

I feel blessed in that whilst I don't drive and therefore have to catch two buses to get to the hospital, it still only takes about 40 mins in total.

I'd like to hope that something changes in the future to support you in it only getting there but to all other necessary appointments. Wishing you the best.

Marie

[Hidden in reply to Eiram50]

I'm not eligible for hospital transport as I can walk with a stick, but it wouldn't be any better than the bus because they pick up lots of folk for the trip. Therefore, everyone has to get to Inverness in time for the first appointment and then wait around all day for the last person's appointment..... you can imagine what it's like for the older folk who have to go down!

[Eiram50 in reply to Hidden]

What a nightmare scenario!

[RA22345]

A sad reflection of how much things are centred on large towns and cities now. I'm surprised that there aren't more mobile services to help in this scenario though, would have thought that some specialists might find a road trip enjoyable. If they can manage flying doctors in the Australian outback, surely we should be able to come up with a solution here. A combination of that and some web based services might make your situation bearable. I hope we manage to save the NHS and get some creative solutions in place to make it fit for everyone.

[BoneyC]

It's a 40 mile round trip to Rheumatology and all other departments.

[oldtimer]

When I moved for what I thought would be the last time on partial retirement, I bought a house just around the corner from a hospital, knowing that I would need it. I was horrified to hear a few years ago that the hospital may be downgraded and everything moved to a new build hospital half an hour by car or two changes of bus away. However, in the present financial situation that looks increasingly unlikely to happen.

[Hidden in reply to oldtimer]

Hello oldtimer, this is one of those rare moments...... when we all hope the cut backs continue for your sake!

[Hidden]

We drive. It's about an hour's drive to Hull for us. Then we park at the Park and Ride, maybe another half an hour if we miss a bus! Bit costly, Fuel, Humber Bridge tolls, car parking. Hubby has 3 appts over next 2 weeks. Just one of those things isn't it? What price can you put on your health ..............................

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sue, I'm amazed how far so many people must travel and the costs can be way too much. We don't have much spare money, I had to cancel my log delivery for last month to pay for bus and taxis. I can't be doing that too often.

[Hidden]

Now I've read how far your journey is, I will never think our short journey (80 mile round trip) is tedious again!! That's terrible

[Runrig01]

Travelled 300 miles each way to see a specialist for 18 month. Would travel and stay night before. I am now back with local team which is 22 miles each way

[Hidden in reply to Runrig01]

I am in awe of you runrig01, I hope you only ever have to travel the 44 miles for evermore.

[Runrig01 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. It was my choice to get correct care. The local Rheumy I was seeing basically told me it was all in my head, and nothing inflammatory. I was on steroids, was having muscle and joint pains, along with GCA symptoms, and he wanted to stop the Prednisolone . Leeds were determined to find answers, by the time they found I had Ankylosing spondylitis, a lot of damage and fusion had occurred. Because I urgently needed biologics I was transferred back locally. I am under a different Rheumy, thank goodness, but mainly see an esp physio who works with NASS, the charity for AS, she is wonderful, so I feel I'm in safe hands. 😁

[beeckey]

I receive hospital transport i did not realise how far people had to travel.They do clinics at my local hospital which i get a taxi as it is just 10 minutes up the road but further than that i get transport.IT does take you on a wee sight seeing trips i have seen places i never knew were there but if i did not go with the transport it would take me 3 buses to get there so i feel for the people that have o long way to go.x

[Gnarli]

I know I'm lucky that the hospital is only 6 miles away and that we are both able to drive. I am not so sure about the treatment offered but that's another story. Gentle hugs to all you intrepid travellers.

Jan

[Creakywrists]

I live on one of the more remote west coast islands and have to get the ferry and the train They don't always connect so it always involves at least one overnight and usually two.

[Hidden in reply to Creakywrists]

Hello Creakywrists, I don't know how you manage such a long trek, it seems amazing and terrible at the same time. I hope the hospital looks after you really well and that you are reasonably comfortable at least some of the time, if not all.

My journey seems like a real shortly in comparison. Cheerio.

[nomoreheels]

I hope it's a trade-off for living in a beautiful area of the country Mrs SW? It's been a decider in where we're going to set down roots but for the time being until we do decide we've bought a bungalow only a few roads away from our current home. We're very fortunate in that it's still only half an hour from the hospital for Rheumy appointments & only 5 minutes from the hospital for nurse appointments. We had considered 2 lovely homes in beautiful settings only 36 & 40 miles to the nearest hospital with both a Rheumy & Cardio dept. Well, they were knocked into a cocked hat! Because of the road system it would have taken 3 hours to get there, though reading some of your replies it seems that a 6 hour round trip isn't so bad compared with some of you. Still not moving there though! What concerns me is the length of an ambulance journey if any of you have a real emergency?

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

I hope your new home is comfy and that you enjoy it. It seems odd, don't you think, having to take into account where the nearest appropriate hospital is when you want or need to move house? If anyone had mentioned it to me 20 years ago I would have had a right good laugh! Not now though.

Many folks up here have a rotten job getting to and using a larger hospital. A family nearby had to spend almost all of last year in Glasgow when their son's became gravely ill. I don't know how they all survived it, but they did.

The do use an air ambulance if necessary.

Thanks for sharing your story, it certainly is interesting, reading about how everyone manages.

[helixhelix in reply to nomoreheels]

Our neighbour was attacked by a wild boar when chopping wood in the forest. Air ambulance arrived in 20 Minutes as he was with his son with a mobile phone. So not much different from centre of Birmingham?

[premierscfc]

I'm another very lucky patient as I live just over 1.5 miels away from the local Specialist Rheumatology Hospital. On rare occasions I have had one appointment in the morning and another in the late afternoon and its no problem for me to go home with me living so close.

[Creakywrists]

It's very beautiful where I live and the community are good. I don't mind travelling too much as I go to a very good unit and can arrange physio etc for the same day. I stay with a friend and usually arrange to go to the optician, dentist and have a haircut and meet up with my sons. The local hospital still involves a 3hr ferry trip but it doesn't have a rheumatology department. They do manage to do things like chemo there, organised from the Glasgow hospitals, which makes a difference to a lot of people. Like you, we get flown direct to hospital if it's an emergency. I do worry that we might lose our GP. As you said there is a huge shortage of doctors in the highlands and islands

[Paula-C]

Don't know if I can tell you how far I have to travel. ....about one mile. If the traffic lights are on green I can get there in a few minutes. I know I am so so lucky. Feel so bad for all of you who have to travel along way. I use to choose appointments at 9am in the morning thinking I hadn't got far to go unlike others that had to travel along way. Then I thought of people that had wanted early appointments because they worked. Still don't know which way to go on that.

[Hidden in reply to Paula-C]

I'm pleased that you don't have far to go for your health care. Book the appointment that suits you best and don't be worrying about other folks, they will manage just fine.

[helenlw7]

I'm very lucky because I live within 2 miles of the 2 hospitals I go to. The downside is it is on the edge of Birmingham, and this affects my breathing. We are looking to move to somewhere more rural, but the sacrifice I would have to make is 3 ver understanding consultants and a greater distance to get to see new ones. Ideally I would like the best of both worlds - move nearer to the sea and keep going to the same hospitals.

[Hidden in reply to helenlw7]

Imagine if your new consultant is a match for, or better than, your present ones. I think rheumatologists, generally, are an understanding group of people, they must be in it because of an interest as it doesn't seem like the sexiest hospital work...looking after the creaky crowd! Maybe ask on this forum for folk who live near your potential new home area, I'm sure they will tell you. If you are planning on moving to Inverness or nearby, I can recommend the Consultant Rheumatologist, caring, careful and amusing. Good luck to you.

You can't beat the sea air for helping out with breathing issues.

[helenlw7 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your suggestion. I will ask on here. It won't be to Inverness - definitely too far from my family and real friends.

[NeonkittyUK]

1.5 miles so I am fortunate in that respect.

[Nik8210]

Most of my appointments are at the local hospital which is less than two miles down the road. They try to get all my appointments there but have asked me if I would go to others for a quicker appointment and I have been able to do this.