Health check and medication review

[Gemini]

Last summer I didn't get my annual medication review and BP check at the surgery. It was done by phone with a practice nurse.
This summer I won't have it, but at least it is more organised now. They have learnt something over the year.
I have a bloods form to go for a blood test, and an online health questionnaire to fill in once have had the blood test and taken my own BP.
Then they will phone you if there is any concern over anything. I hate going in for my BP check, so this is a good idea really.
Last years check was almost pointless as they didn't ask me to take my BP or have bloods taken!

[Oma]

Everything is so different this year Gem ,
I need my BP checking again must make the effort to make appointment

[Daisy]

Gem, as you say, it is better organised, but it's not quite the same as actually seeing a doctor or nurse. Many people might have niggly worries that they'd discuss in person, but not over the phone.

[Nanto2girls]

I had my bloods and blood pressure check at the surgery,a couple of months ago.

[Shemadee]

We’ve been told that the receptionists have taken a two week course on triage and their decision is final! Seems the doctors wasted there time with all the training they did. Some GPs locally have remained open throughout the lockdown but ours has been locked up like Fort Knox! Can’t remember when my BP was last checked. My left knee is also problematic and keeps giving out on me. They did allow us in for our flu jab as they have to reach a certain target to get maximum payment. Unfortunately they took on a finance manager a few years ago and now it’s all about the money - new purpose built building so they don’t want patients cluttering up the place.

[Daisy]

Shem - that's disgraceful. I certainly wouldn't like to triage on 2 weeks training - it's about 5 years for a doctor, isn't it!

Our surgery is still like Fort Knox as well. It used to be a brilliant practice but seems to be going downhill year on year and Covid has accelerated it to the point where you have to be brave even to phone! The recorded message is so aggressive!

[Plantaholic]

I quite agree Shemadee, I haven’t needed to contact the surgery for some time until today when I wanted to consult a doctor as I have cystitis. We now had this website where we are supposed to report the problem and answer various questions. I rang the surgery and the receptionist filled in the form for me then said a doctor would contact me in about 3 days. I said I have cystitis in 3 days time it could be serious, she informed me the chemist treat cystitis. I said i felt I needed to speak to a doctor not a chemist. I was then told a doctor would phone me. It wasn’t more than 5 minutes when the doctor phoned and said he wanted a sample and in the meantime he would sent a request for antibiotics to the chemist which I picked up this afternoon. They are having so many complaints they had to issue a report about the abuse they were experiencing. I spoke to the chemist about coming to them as the receptionist said I should and they said they do not treat people over 62 years old so the receptionist was wrong. It is a shame because we have lovely receptionists and this new system isn’t helping that relationship.

[Lizzie48]

To be quite honest Plant (and Shem) I think it is disgusting, getting a call 3 days later for cystitis, I know what an awful pain it can be and then to wait 3 days!! Luckily we seem to have it easier and can get to see the doctor the same day that we phone, if necessary. I hope the medicine works and that you soon feel better.xx

My BIL isn't coping well at all after losing his wife, he phones the surgery, hasn't been able to see a doctor but keeps getting stronger tablets for depression and I am sure they are not helping him at all.

[Gemini]

There seems to be a variety of experiences here, but the majority are being prevented from seeing a actual person when they need to. Nan2's surgery at least let her in!

I haven't actually tried to see a doctor at mine, and I am happy not to have to go in for the BP check. It seems ridiculous that people who need to see doctor or nurse and being kept away though.
As most of you know I now have season ticket for the dentist having been so often during the pandemic! If we can go there which is much more close up than just talking to a doctor about something, it doesn't add up really.
Plant I'm glad they got you sorted out. Three days to wait to even begin cystitis treatment is plain inhumane!

Do you think your BIL needs some grief counselling Lizzie?

[Lizzie48]

Gem, he does need counselling, the surgery have a group but that isn't running at the moment. I have just phoned him and sounded more himself so I hope he is improving.

[Plantaholic]

I felt really rough this morning after taken the second tablet for the cystitis, I rang the surgery and the receptionist said she would tell the doctor, he phoned me very shortly after and said I have had these tablets before and he advised me to keep taking them. I felt sick and had a tummy ache. My hairdresser was due to arrive so I stuck it out and it did wear off. I will see what happens tomorrow.

[Daisy]

Lizzie - I can see why you're worrying about your BIL. It's all too easy for a doctor who hasn't actually seen a patient to give anti-depressants. The poor man probably needs to have human contact with a doctor and some bereavement support. I hope these various support groups will be able to start again next month. As Gem says, dentists have to work really closely with their patients, but they are managing somehow. So are hairdressers and beauty therapists, nail bars and all sorts of other personal services.

I wonder why it's different for doctors.

Plant - our posts crossed. I'm sorry to hear you were feeling so poorly, but at least you were able to speak to the doctor. I hope you're having a relaxing afternoon with a good audio book. xx

[Nanto2girls]

Lizzie,hope your BIL gets some counselling andhope it helps.

[Lizzie48]

Thank you, I did phone him yesterday and he said he was actually seeing someone today so I hope it goes well for him, he was always so active, still working, sports etc.

[Gemini]

I had my online medication review and my BP was high (it was a very stressful week!)

The nurse phoned me later and asked me to do a weeks BP reading, twice a day and send in the results , via a link she sent me.
Thankfully the BP readings over the week have been fine. It's good job as the link they sent me has expired so I have been unable to send it my results and haven't heard back from them!