My partner was reporting being in a lot of pain with his back and shoulder. He had been to the GP and been prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatories. He didn't think these were helping.
Treatment
He was in worse pain and it was the weekend. I supported him to contact out of hours / NHS24
Calling for help
My work job is a Social Worker, I wanted to help him to get help. English is not his first language. He has some cultural differences in how he expresses his pain and and symptoms.
We were advised to go to A&E and an ambulance would attend, then after a couple of hours he was reporting more pain. We had to call back to get an emergency ambulance.
It was difficult because there wasn't much that they could do. I don't know if his GP had advised to self refer to NHS Physiotherapy. He didn't understand this process.
Now, I have been able to help him to write a letter to the GP to ask for this referral. I feel bad for having to use the ambulance. It is difficult to know what to do when loved ones are in pain.
I have sent thankyou card/chocolates to the staff at A&E and made a modest donation to local NHS Trust/Foundation charity to say thankyou.
I have learned that there are cultural differences in how people express their pain and understand the information given. I would ask services to support and help people to access services.
I am grateful for the help from everyone we met on our journey last night.
Seeing the whole me
Staff attitude
Nurses
Ambulance staff
Explanations
Doctor
Finding your way
Responses
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