Sunday afternoon alert
3:01
The 3:00 pm alert sounded at 3:01! It didn’t last long and was reasonably loud, but could easily have been missed if we hadn’t been near our ‘phones.
Obviously, in a real emergency, the alarm would have continued to sound – well, one assumes that would be the case!
In life, we assume a lot – too much, probably.
For example, NHS blood tests are regularly conducted for all sorts of reasons. Three years ago, Barry had a routine blood test and was told, ‘We’ll contact you to let you know the results.’
To clarify matters, he asked if he should call, and was assured that he would be informed. ‘We’re very busy,’ they said. Time went on and life intruded. No-one called and thoughts of blood test results receded into the background.
Anyway, to cut a long and tedious story short, it transpired that Barry’s kidneys were showing signs of damage. That was apparent from the blood test in 2022, but no-one told him. Had he known, he would have adjusted his diet accordingly. Fortunately, we eat a largely salad-based diet, but there are some things he shouldn’t eat or should limit, like tomatoes, dried fruit, avocado, wholewheat bread, brown rice, dairy milk, olives, apricots, and potatoes, among other things.
Adjustments are now being made, too late to undo any damage done in the last three years, but enough to prevent further deterioration.
The lesson we have taken from this is to follow up every test, even if rigorously assured that we will be informed of results. In other words, we have to be ‘squeaky wheels.’
On advice, Barry takes his blood pressure every Monday and sends the results to the organisation that requested them. Recently, he discovered that the results are in a vacuum somewhere, his medical practice having no knowledge of them.
Again and again, this pattern is repeated. There seems to be no connection between one department and another, and if there’s a crossover between NHS and private medicine, life becomes even more disorganised.
Individually, administrative and medical staff are good – diligent and dedicated to their excellent work - but they agree that the system is broken and urgently needs overhauling.
Questions are answered and problems resolved eventually, but it all takes too long. I think the answer is to always carry a sharp stick and poke the sleeping beast that is reputed to be the envy of the world. Not everyone has the time or the capacity or determination to ask the right questions, or move to ‘the next level.’
I don't like that we'll call you if there are concerns approach. I always do my own checking, for reasons like the ones you describe.
ReplyDeleteI guess the old adage, “no news is good news” is not always the case. That would really make me angry.
ReplyDeleteThis is appalling. As you indicate, I think the NHS is the envy of the world but of course it is staffed by human beings and human beings make mistakes. Thank goodness you "poked the beast" and got results.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about this lapse; it must be a bitter pill to swallow. I see following up on results as something no one else will care about as much as I do, and therefore the onus is on me, no matter what they say they will do. If the system worked perfectly, it would be different -- but it's not. One has to wonder what folks do who are less aware of how things work. How many things get missed? What is the cost, personal and to the health care system, of diseases advancing when they could have been avoided or slowed if the system worked? Wishing you well; stay on your toes :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s getting better here. I am getting hospital results and reports online. But not my doctor’s notes or labs if they are outside of the hospital.
ReplyDeleteIt's a case of serious irresponsibility. Someone along the line dropped the ball or the system is inadequately designed. What a shame and no way to go back. So, as you are doing, move forward and do the good things now. You and Barry have my sympathy and best wishes.
ReplyDelete