SPINAL CORD INJURY long term appointments

[MSTKing]

As someone with multiple disabilities including Spinal Cord Injuries - I’m a long term patient.

As I have got older my condition has become more complicated but the appointments that used to be -in person, hands-on, have now, (despite the NHS is open ) gon online or by phone.

I can’t see how an in person appointment is now reduced to a ten minute phone call. It means now I’ve not been examined for 5 years!

I am going to write about this. If you have experienced similar for your monitoring appointments for spinal cord injury in English UK spinal units - can you get in touch please? #SpinalCordIinjury

[tomc]

It Is NOT just spinal cord or nerve pain.

I have severe COPD Emphysema and my next appointment with a consultant is next year by phone.

This is not good patient care in my opinion. I also have a few other things going on.

My GP is first rate in the care he gives But I think hospitals are letting people down.

[MSTKing in reply to tomc]

I agree with your GP - hospitals are letting patients down.

It can get worse if for some reason (eg moving home) a patient with disabilities doesn't have a good relationship with their GP, and the GP appointment are mostly phone/video calls. For spinal patients being physically examined is a huge part of ongoing care.