Can I be refused treatment under new covid 19 guidelines?

[Meh2018]

Hi everyone, I have been diagnosed with PA for 18 yrs and getting regular shots every 10-12 weeks. Yesterday my doctors surgery told me that under new covid 19 guidelines B12 injections will no longer be done as they are not an emergency. I have told them I will become an emergency and basically had to kick up a big fuss before getting an appointment. Has anyone else had this in the U.K? Thanks.

[Nackapan]

That is wrong. I was told the surgery shut but b12 injections were being done .

The nurse fully gowned and masked.

I've requested a prescription. Awaiting answer as I think it may change. Also have just got my own supplies as need injections at present at least 2 weekly .

[Meh2018 in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks Nackapan. I'm thinking there will be a lot of poorly people given the wrong information about not being able to have their injection and just accept it. It's ridiculous, they wouldn't refuse a diabetic their insulin so why this? Who knows? I'm pleased to hear it's not the norm elsewhere.

[Ghound in reply to Meh2018]

My friend just told me district nurses are refusing to give insulin injections to her 84 year old, blind mother ! Family are being asked to do it. An eight mile round trip for my friend twice a day ! This is in Aberdeen

[Meh2018 in reply to Ghound]

That's crazy, they need to really look at this. What information is the government actually providing for health staff in regards to injections I wonder. It seems to vary between region!

[Coxeymcqueen]

Hi Meh2018,

A few of us have offered to help the PAS community by providing ampoules and medical supplies to those unable to get a GP appointment. I think there are 3 or 4 posts on this topic. If you’re struggling to get in with your GP have a read of those posts and reach out to someone, me included, who might be able to help.

Good luck

[Meh2018 in reply to Coxeymcqueen]

That's very kind of you guys, I'm lucky at the moment as say, I kicked up a fuss and now have an appointment. I just don't think it's right that they should be refusing people in need. I'm all for social distancing and following sensible precautions but this is silly. Keep up the good work.

[Coxeymcqueen in reply to Meh2018]

I’m glad you got sorted Meh 👍🏻

Good luck with everything

[Hidden in reply to Coxeymcqueen]

I have lots of spare syringes and needles ( green and orange) and a few ampoules. You can add me to your list as I’m happy to send them on.

[Coxeymcqueen in reply to Hidden]

06hollyberry that’s really lovely of you.

[clivealive Forum Support]

Hi Meh2018 you should point out that you would become a "medical emergency" if injections were halted as the word pernicious means deadly, lethal, fatal.

I wish you well

[Meh2018 in reply to clivealive]

Haha! that's what I said! The receptionist didn't have a clue what pernicious meant! Just kept saying it was the guidance given blah blah blah! I also suggested that if she didn't know what it meant she could consult a doctor! My appointment notes say B12 injection "insisted upon" damn right it was!

[deniseinmilden]

I have already heard people saying about this.

However I do know that some have used it successfully to put pressure on their surgery to teach them to SI and give them the kit to do it.

[Msjalien11]

I was worried about this as mine was due next week and my docs doing telephone appointments only. So rang them yesterday to see what the score was and to be fair they said come in today for it which I wasn’t expecting. It was a bit of a freaky dystopian experience receptionists behind Perspex screens and I was literally the only person in the waiting room.

[Nackapan in reply to Msjalien11]

Same here and a fully gowned masked nurse. I'm pushing or a prescription still so stay in the system and on my medical notes.

To add to 'assertive 'persistent or irritating or whatever else they have on there lol

I will look one day when stong enough to handle all the misconceptions non understanding of PA and b12 deficiency and treatment. Also notes on many attempts to send me down the mental health path. Its actually quite patronising as I would know if I was depressed and I've questioned it several times

. And if course if needed treatment would have it of course .

Takes so much energy to be listened to and believed. I know certain questions have to be asked. But at one stage my Gp spent to much time exploring domestic violence rather than listening to actual symptoms and referring me on.

I've always complied and listened but have turned done many drugs I wasnt convinced would help

. Have tried some.

Just hit a bad note that people now not getting their injections as deemed 'non essential . We are going to a doctor for needed treatment nor a beauty salon!!!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

see my response on this post

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[SusanMargaret47]

Yes I had my appt cancelled and tried to rebook without success

I have been told to phone next week

[Natterjack2]

I have just had a B12 injection but shocked to see the nurse had no face mask or gown.

Doctors doing tel consultations only but she is left in front line with no protection.

I felt very sorry for her

[Joey4]

I have injections every couple of weeks and today, my surgery taught me and my husband how to do the injections. They provided me with needles to last for the next twelve weeks (I get B12 on repeat prescription and collect from the pharmacy) and they even said they would dispose of the needles after the twelve weeks if I keep them safe in a plastic tub once used. I was really impressed and feel very fortunate that they did this.

[margareta12321 in reply to Joey4]

Joey you are fortunate to have understanding doctors.Mine see giving b12 injections as a waste of the nurses time.I offered to do it myself and was told under no circumstances would that be happening.I buy mine from Germany to top up between times.I have pernicious anemia so supliments are useless.

[HeartyGilly]

I was glad of this post as at first I was refused when I tried to book my B12 jab this morning. I persisted, likening it to refusing a diabetic insulin. I offered to inject myself if they gave me a prescription. In the end my GP agreed to give me my jab as he then said that anyone symptomatic can still have them, but I have to go into the surgery via the back door - not a problem. Thanks everyone for discussing this.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Have a look at this news item from PAS website. It has info on what to do if B12 jabs stopped.

Covid-19: Letter to Health Ministers and injections being stopped

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Blog post from B12 Deficiency Info website which has some info on what to do.

b12deficiency.info/blog/

[margareta12321]

Yes I've been told I won't be getting any for 6 months.I have pernicious anemia so supliments don't help so I self inject.

[Adsypadsy]

Hi,I have the same problem. I get my B12 jab every 8 weeks, the receptionist at GP surgery told me that B12 injections are postponed due to Covid unless authorised by GP. Thankfully my GP authorises mine but annoying that I have to go through the same process every time.

The treatment room nurse did tell that they are not giving appointments until nearer the time of next jabs as they may be getting redeployed to help with mass vaccinations and would have to waste valuable time contacting people to cancel appointments, which I can understand.

I sure that it's the receptionists at my GP surgery who have misunderstood the current process....... as usual.