our rights as a patient?

pavlovs_dog

i was wondered what 'rights' we had as patients under the nhs?

to cut a long story short, future MIL is diabetic (currently controlled by diet and mild medication).

in june this year, she was diagnosed with advanced gum disease, as a result of the diabetes.

recently, she has been feeling under the weather. tests revealed she is struggling to keep her blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol under control, so she has been given stronger medication to try and reign this in.

however she also has other problems/symptoms which cannot be attributed to the blood sugar/blood pressure/cholestrol issue. using diabetic books and websites, she believes she has diagnosed what is wrong with her.

she raised this with the doctor today, who dismissed it out of hand, saying it cant be this otherwise you'd also have x, y and z symptoms. fair enough, he is the medical professional... yet at the same time, neither he (nor the other docs) have shown any interest in diagnosing what IS causing the problem, so that it can be treated/cured :mad:

understandably, MIL is worrying herself...which isnt doing her any good as she is already feeling off colour to begin with, without all this extra stress.


i want to know what are her rights as a patient? normally i would say to demand a second opinion, but none of the other docs seem to care either :rolleyes: ive mentioned to her the possibility of switching docs surgery, which may be a longer term option.

but in the short term, is she entitled to demand a referral to the diabetics clinic, or could she refer herself? the symptoms she is presenting certainly correspond with the issue which the doctor dismissed out of hand, and even if its not *that* it is highly likely to be related to her diabetes.

she is worrying herself sick, and i really want to be able to help her. at least if we know what her rights are, we will know how to proceed.

many thanks

pavlovs

CarolnMalky

Pavlov..best wishes to your future MIL...does she attend a Diabetic Clinic at the minute either in the GP practice or at hospital? If her diabetes is not under control then I think that she should be attending a dedicated clinic.Though I know how tough it can be for GP's to refer.
Good luck
Carol

pavlovs_dog

maybe once or twice a year?

she is pushing the doctor to send her more regularly; by her own admission it would make her more disciplined about bringing her BS/BP/cholesterol under control... yet doctor doesnt seem to think it would help her

aurora_borealis_2

Yes, the GP has to refer.

If you can't get access, try for a specialist nurse instead. They'll get the ball rolling

If all else fails go for a one off consultation at BUPA. She would then be transferred back into the NHS.

CarolnMalky

Has she spoken to the Docs at the Diabetic clinic, if her condition isn't stable then they might want to see her more often...maybe worth giving the clinic a call and seeing if an appointment can be made. Sometimes the clinics would allow this, especially if you future MIL is worrying.

pavlovs_dog

aurora_borealis wrote:

Yes, the GP has to refer.

so she is within her rights to make as much noise as necessary until he agrees?

i think i might offer to go with her next time..if she wont fight her own corner, then i'll fight it for her

pavlovs_dog

CarolnMalky wrote:

Has she spoken to the Docs at the Diabetic clinic, if her condition isn't stable then they might want to see her more often...maybe worth giving the clinic a call and seeing if an appointment can be made. Sometimes the clinics would allow this, especially if you future MIL is worrying.

her last appointment with the diabetic clinic was a long while ago, and even now she is having these problems, it was easier getting blood from a stone than it was getting the docs to arrange a single appointment. not sure when it is booked for (i think it is still about a month away :eek: )

CarolnMalky

Call them and ask for a cancellation appointment...you may only get a day or two's notice, but well worth it if it puts all your minds at ease a wee bit.

pavlovs_dog

i will certainly suggest that. thanks for your advice and support both (and its lovely you've decided to stay with us carol :grouphug: )

blackcateddie

You should make as much fuss, politely as possible - the NHS finds it very easy to fob off the older patients who feel uncomfortable making any kind of complaint, but it makes people's life a misery

hope you get something done

aurora_borealis_2

pavlovs_dog wrote:

so she is within her rights to make as much noise as necessary until he agrees?

i think i might offer to go with her next time..if she wont fight her own corner, then i'll fight it for her

Yes, go with her. I always do with my mum.

Try and look older :rotfl: