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.
ReplyDeleteThere was a time when that approach was reliable - no longer.
DeleteI guess the old adage, “no news is good news” is not always the case. That would really make me angry.
ReplyDeleteTrue. We are easily placated.
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteThe NHS IT system is dreadful - not fit for purpose and everyone agrees. It's the old wisdom of ' buy cheap, buy twice' except that the bad system has not been replaced.
DeleteI'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 :)
ReplyDeleteYou're right - no-one cares about your health as much as you do.
DeleteIt’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.
ReplyDeleteWhy cannot they tie up the loose ends? Probably because they're not aware of the loose ends.
DeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephanie.
DeleteThat is awful that your hubby was not told about his blood tests results, since the tests showed a problem. I get my test results online from the lab, often the same day. Then usually the next day my doctor writes me a note online explaining the results. I am in the USA. That is one good thing about online systems.
ReplyDeleteWe find that our pets' veterinary care is generally far superior to human care.
DeleteWe've had similar experiences with Dave's care. The left hand never knows what the right hand is doing. I have found that on the NHS app, I can look at test results ordered by my GP, so anytime I get a blood test I log in there to see what it found. But yes, someone should have called Barry about that test.
ReplyDeleteIt's often the case that Barry is informing one department or another, instead of the other way round.
DeleteUnfortunately we are noticing too many admin errors. There seems to be no system to follow up when you miss a call from the doctor no matter what the reason might be.
ReplyDeleteIt's not simple to arrange a telephone consultation. Not everyone has all day to spend waiting.
DeleteI'm so sorry about your husband. That is gutting. But I'm not surprised.
ReplyDeleteFor the past ten years or more I have been attending 5 clinics in three different hospitals, have 3-monthly monitoring blood tests, plus occasional 'extras' like bowel cancer screening, mammograms, and recently a dermatology concern. Then there are annual lung function tests and occasional extras like CT scans all to keep track of. The hospitals and GP surgery use different IT systems, so, for example, the chest clinic and cardiology clinics cannot access each other's notes. They even all use different apps to contact patients! I have learned the hard way to follow up everything, and spend ages scanning and emailing letters and blood tests results around... good training I suppose if I ever wanted to become a medical secretary. (Which I don't)
T
I have every sympathy for you. it must feel as though almost every waking moment is spent 'following up.'
DeleteBarry had several things happen at once and keeping track was really frustrating, but nothing like your regular experience.
I am able to view the test results requested by my GP online, but have no access to those requested by the hospital. It really should all be joined up somewhere as, presumably, my GP can't see them either unless the hospital lets them know.
ReplyDeleteWe can view online, but sometimes - frequently! - the results need explanation or clarification. It is ridiculous that doctors and hospitals cannot communicate effectively with each other.
DeleteHubby has the same issues, surgery and hospital consultant don't always talk to each other and have at times disagreed about medication, we both check test results through our NHS online portal, often not understanding all the jargon.
ReplyDeleteThere's no point seeing the results if you cannot make head or tail of them. That's why they should be followed up with at least a telephone consultation.
DeleteYou need my Greek!! He phones and phones and phones and makes that wheel squeak so loudly it just has to be heard. Or else lol
ReplyDeleteOur system here isn't too bad. We are told to phone back. And most of the time get the results.
Well done to your Greek! Barry is rapidly becoming Greek, I think. Starts off quietly and gets more insistent.
DeleteThat's awful that things aren't being followed up on especially when being reassured that they will be.
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly very poor.
DeleteI'm with Boud on this, don't wait for them to call you, you call first and demand answers.
ReplyDeleteOften, if we try to push, people get quite shirty. Barry's good at pushing, though.
DeleteWhen it comes to health issues there should not be this lack of communication. But I know there is and I know what happens over here also even though we have private doctor practices that charge an arm and a leg to get through the door.
ReplyDeleteIt's all rather too hit and miss and some people must really be suffering.
DeleteI'm not surprised, but I am also saddened that this is happening in places other than the United States, where this kind of thing is commonplace.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd rather be an animal. Our veterinary services are brilliant.
DeleteBureaucracy! Pfffft.
ReplyDelete"We'll let you know" means "We've already forgotten you."
Could be!
DeleteAbsolutely agree 💯
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
It's shocking, isn't it?
Deletesince I am currently stuck in the mire of our USA health system and sinking fast, I have had to become the one with the poker stick and even that doesn't seem to work very well. every facet of our insurance is disconnected. the neurologist ordered Alzheimer blood labs, he said your appt for the results is dec 29th 3 months away. He also said, it takes 4 weeks to get the results back from this test, so be sure to get it done about mid October. meanwhile bob is sinking in quick sand and so am I.
ReplyDeleteYou sometimes have to wonder if they realise they are dealing with real human beings, not numbers. That's a shockingly long wait for a consultation about results - just think how much could be done in the meantime. Good luck with your sharp stick - maybe a cattle prod would be better.
DeleteSo glad to hear problems resolved.
ReplyDeleteYes, until the next time and the next battle . . .
DeleteWith Sam's recent diagnosis of liver cancer, we have learned some mighty big lessons. BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!! The medical world is so busy and it appears that we are sometimes just a number. NO..not any more! If we don't get the answers soon enough, I call until they have an answer for me. The struggles are real and if the medical team had really listened to what Sam was telling them, we might not be where we are today. Early test could have taken care of this. omg...I'm ranting and I apologize.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to rant. You are not alone. It's wearing to have to check and counter-check all the time, but it's the only way, we have discovered.
DeleteOne has to be their own advocate when it comes to health care. I hope things go better from now on.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteYou are so right. You have to be your own advocate
ReplyDeleteIt's a sign of the times, that people cannot finish a task before another comes along. Some do call back - too many do not.
DeleteIt's a shame that the responsibility often falls on the individual to chase down what should be automatic, but your experience is a great reminder for everyone to be a complainer when it comes to their well-being. Thank you for sharing such a clear example of why that's so important.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for those who, for whatever reason, cannot chase up results and appointments. They must find themselves in dire straits.
DeleteYou need to be on top of things. Glad you got it taken care of.
ReplyDeleteIt is a very self-centred world these days. Some people make an effort - too many do not.
DeleteHubby does a much better job than me of keeping up with annoying followups.
ReplyDeleteLikewise.
DeleteThat is so unprofessional of them. Glad you know now and can adjust accordingly.
ReplyDeletePride in a job well done and finished often seems missing.
DeleteIf I have a medical test of some sort, my doc will normally tell me the results. But if I need to know in a hurry, I can go to a "Patient Portal " page at the hospital web site and read the results myself.
ReplyDeleteWe have a patient portal, too, but too often test results are not relayed to the medical practice, so everyone is working in the dark.
DeleteThat's a good lesson for us. We ourselves are trying to keep on top of things more, especially as we get older. Thanks for the heads up. We can so easily slip through the cracks.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, we can so easily slip through the cracks, sometimes without even realising the cracks are there!
DeleteI did hear Sunday's alert on my phone ... but then I was expecting it!
ReplyDeleteSomeone should have called Barry about those tests!!!
Over the years I have found it's always best to follow up test results.
All the best Jan
I suppose it's because it's all relatively new to us - for which we're very grateful - but over the last couple of years everything has been assiduously followed up.
DeleteWhen we had the test, it was really loud.
ReplyDeleteBetter that way than risk not being heard.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly the same here, I am still waiting the results from a blood test in April, where I didn't call, and now you reminded me that I have to call to know if I die or live another 20 years ! Now I follow up everything myself. It seems to me that the right hand is not knowing what the left hand does !
ReplyDeleteThat is so true!
DeleteMy test results show up. on "My Chart" online, even before my doctor reads them, so I can SEE them.. Also, after every doctor's appointment, her notes go ito "My Chart" so I can see them, in case I have any questions. The last time I had a physical the doctor asked me if I minded if A.I. would record our conversation. I didn't. This A.I. apparently transcribed a record of what she and I said, which was part of her 'notes.'
ReplyDeleteThe note-taking sounds a good exercise, so long as it's accurate (note my suspicious mind!)
DeleteWe had a message on our phones the day before to remind us but on the day only D received the alert. 1 out of 3 not great!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that Barry didn't get the test results follow up that he should have had but glad that he has been able to make adjustments to stop things getting worse. I am also waiting for a follow up appointment, but just know they will send it for while we are away. I'll get on to them again when I get back.