Letter to GP

[Parksy]

I’m sorry if this has been posted previously, I used the search bar but it took me away from b12/pernicious anaemia pages. Is there a link for a template for a letter of complaint to a gp please. Im going to give it one more go. I fear with brain fog my letter may not have been eloquent enough.

[Nackapan]

I've looked and cant find the template.

I've just had a battle reenstating my mums b12 inections

Best advise I can give is tk keep the request short and sharp. Follow up with a phone call. The letter should be scanned on your notes but often had to be chased to be read by a doctor. Book a telephone consult.

Say you are deteriorating

List symptoms that have returned

State tablets are not working.

Contact PAS

Keep pushing.

I csnr member your history but if you need the injections you need them.

[Parksy in reply to Nackapan]

It’s an ongoing battle all the time isn’t it. Thank you.

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

Unhappy with Treatment (UK info)?

Letters to GPs about B12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

Above link has letter templates.

CAB NHS Complaints

citizensadvice.org.uk/healt...

May be worth talking to local MP/devolved representatives if struggling to get recommended level of treatment.

Are you a PAS member?

They can pass on useful info and there may be useful PAS leaflets/articles you could print off.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

Local Guidelines

I suggest tracking down local guidelines on management of B12 deficiency for your CCG/Health Board and comparing them with BSH/BNF/NICE CKS links below.

BSH Cobalamin and Folate Guidelines

b-s-h.org.uk/guidelines/gui...

BMJ B12 article

bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5226

Emphasises need to treat patients who are symptomatic even if their B12 level is within range.

BNF Hydroxycobalamin

bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/hydrox...

NICE CKS

cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-b12...

Some of these local guidelines have not been updated for years. Some may have a temporary statement added that gives guidance on B12 treatment during pandemic.

Make sure that any statement in local guidelines about treatment during pandemic follows the most recent advice from BSH (British Society of Haematology). See PAS news item below.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Recent PAS news item from 2nd Nov about treatment concerns during pandemic

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Article suggests contacting NHSE ( NHS England) if you have concerns. Not sure about Wales/Scotland/NI.

I started a thread about this which has some useful contact details.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

Lots of B12 info in my replies on the the thread below eg symptoms, causes of B12 deficiency, B12 books, B12 websites, B12 articles/documents and a few hints about dealing with unhelpful GPs.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

I left a detailed reply about impact of pandemic on B12 treatment in UK in next link which might be of interest if you're UK based.

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po.....

I am not medically trained.

[fbirder in reply to Sleepybunny]

The guidelines for writing a letter on Tracey Witty's site first link in sleepybunny's post are excellent. I would just add one extra bit of advice - keep it simple. Try to avoid long tales of how your condition has developed. Concentrate on what is wrong and what you want done to fix it.

I would use bullet points. Just four or five. i.e.,

> I have the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. I want treatment as per the BNF and I want referral to a neurologist.

[Parksy in reply to fbirder]

Thank you very much for your help I’m really grateful.