"You are pioneers"

After presenting myself at A&E in Hairmyres in mid Sept with double vision after a routine eye test for new glasses at local Optician  I had to have full examination and then told seemed wasnt life threatening but did suggest I go back to Optician get referral to Opthalmologist next day which I did and again very thorough check and then admitted a to get scan as could have been stroke or aneurysm this was done and  was to have MRI scan done to have further look.

Now this when I was asked if I would like to participate in a new project  called "Virtual Patient " that South Lanarkshire is  rolling out to patients who  would prefer to be at home  and are feel capable and confident to do a Doccla Box  . So I said yes as was feeling ok and my bloods and other tests all good just the double vision . So went home on and next week the box arrived, BP machine, temp  heart and  oxygen  gadgets and can iPhone.

So phoned w very nice lady told me how to set up but also a detailed booklet with diagrams and how to use .So she talked me through first  procedure and did every morning before 11am I did make mistake twice, put temp in the Heart rate and took the finger pulse reader off too soon but each time  immediately got phone call to redo .

Following week got call was a space for MRI so got lift up and got that done and 6 days later phone call from Dr McNeish to say alclear and now will Opthamology will be able to address the eye situation as no underlying serious conditions. .So very impressed with the Doccla Virtual Patient, only 2 things:

Firstly was told as virtual patient was as if on a ward so  I  assumed MRI scan results would be like next day ? day after ? Ok was 6 days but think maybe put a different way ? 

2nd thing I did put a message on the questionnaire thing do with results if could speak to clinician about results that was 3rd day after MRI  and nice nurse called again immediately said there was a team meeting at 2.30 she would ask if someone would phone so no one did again even if I could have received message saying another few days or say everything ok but be follow up conversation  in few days . But meant over weekend  imagination takes over the" no news is good news" becomes " there some there ! "  Anyway as said to doctor would give constructive feedback .

But definitely think this is a way forward free up beds  for those who haven't got anyone at home and need medical care  and  most patients much happier at home and if capable to do these stats and let's face it most are well use to digital systems now even us oldies !

So well done South Lanarkshire Health Service you are pioneers👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 . And I am very pleased to have participated and been telling everyone about it  That's maybe another feedback more publicity  and the positives for this system to be rolled out  in all🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Health Boards areas  

Also thank you to  very pleasant young man in Radiology and nursing staff putting me at ease getting the MRI.