more cut backs 🤬

[J1707-]

rang my Rheumy helpline to put me through to MTX nurse who monitors me does my prescriptions and blood test. Told today when rang for prescription that this service is no longer available and rheumatologist is in charge now . Rheumatologist left my biologic nurse has gone now my MTX nurse.A locum rheumatologist will contact me in the next week. I’m m fuming. My Gp surgery had porter cabins delivered and we’re going to offer more Gps/midwives/physios and nurses all ready to start next month . New staff already preparing then suddenly promised funding from the Government withdrawn due to cut backs . All that work for nothing,people can’t get appointments and GPs overworked and can’t do anymore. When will it end.

[Deeb1764]

everything is such a mess now it’s never ending. My ra team have stopped accepting emails so now ansaphone messages only. Luckily still had my consultant secretary email so now email updates re heart and lungs . Next battle bloods but GPmsaid he will sort the ones they do if needed

[Boxerlady]

So sorry to hear that. My rheumy team is still offering all the same services as before - as is my GP surgery - so it is still possible. Makes the awful postcode lottery seem even worse somehow 🤬

[J1707- in reply to Boxerlady]

Thank you

[Pippy25]

I am so sorry to hear this J, sadly I understand but wished I didn't.

I do think it's a postcode lottery and where people get a good service that's great and I say cherish it, but when people don't (through no fault of their own or not for want of trying/battling at a cost to their health/wellbeing) it is concerning to say the least.

My GP surgery now leaves a voicemail message saying they have no appointments for that day. If you do manage to get through you currently can't get a pre bookable appointment with any doctor (there are six) and to ring 111 or dial 999 if an emergency.

[J1707- in reply to Pippy25]

Thanks Pip

[Rachel43]

I feel your pain. My rheumatology help line has been cut to 9-12 due to lack of staff. You leave a message & have left one last Monday & still no call back. My GP keeps telling me to ring helpline as they deal with my RA so stuck in a never ending cycle. I feel like with all the news about making disabled people work we are becoming a group that are being penalised for something we didn’t have any choice in getting. Give me my pre diagnosis life back anytime.

[Angjoplin in reply to Rachel43]

My helpline is answer phone only and it's about a week, 10 days for a call back. Which is great when working and having a flair. It makes me so mad as its so unfair. I'm sure pushing through the pain to go to work has caused half my joint damage.

[J1707- in reply to Angjoplin]

Empathy and care is not in the government’s vocabulary.

[J1707- in reply to Rachel43]

Shocking

[wilbertjellyfish]

It's shocking. I've just been admitted to hospital through a+e. I was triage category 2, it was 29hrs on a chair before I got a bed and then onto a ward after 35 hrs. The last time I was 48hrs in a+e before I got onto a ward. The staff are genuinely doing their best in the most difficult situations.

[J1707- in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

My husband had the same experience recently. The nurses said as the is an election looming all funding halted . Less agency nurses etc.

[cyberbarn]

you said, "When will it end."

Maybe at the next general election?

[J1707- in reply to cyberbarn]

Oh wouldn’t that be great if promises were kept .

[oldtimer2]

You could start a campaign in your area ? Involve PALS if you're in England. Write to your local paper, your MP, (our local council were willing to get involved in protesting against closure of a minor injury facility) and anyone else you can think of.

The more noise we all make, the more Health Boards will pay attention. And the more the Govenment can't say that things are improving.....when they cut back even more.

[Gjbrose]

My rheumatology nurse team have very limited phone line and you leave message but more recently I have found emails to secretary are more successful, have you tried contacting the rheumatology secretary?