This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Penalised because I do not call on the medical services

Posted By betaqm35

"Penalised because I do not call on the medical services"

About: New Forest / New Forest Social Services NHS West Hampshire CCG Oakhaven Hospice

(as a service user),

We are very lucky in this area to have the wonderful Oakhaven Hospice/Coats Centre Day Hospice which my husband attends weekly to give me some respite.  Also offered is a bathing service which my husband also uses (we have no facilities at home).  Myself, I attend the Carers Day (one of the volunteers monitors my husband in a separate area in order that I can attend) - so nice to be with other people in same "boat" and who totally understand the pressure of 24/7 caring.  I could not manage without the help and kindness shown by this organisation.  The Hospice is a shining example of what can be achieved.

We also use the services of the NHS and Hants County Council but apparently not often enough.  These organisations seem to be governed by far too much "red tape" making it very difficult for staff to carry out/supply their duties and supply the necessary equipment to make life more bearable both for the patient and the carer.  It feels like the more a carer does to make life acceptable for the patient, the less help they get.  My husband needs both a special chair to sit in - we have to purchase this unless I let my husband develop stage 3 to 4 bed sores!!!.  Also a special wheelchair (the one we purchased is no longer suitable) - the waiting time is 18 months plus and the form for Continuing Healthcare is diabolical and totally unrealistic.

One seems to need to be "DEAD" before being eligible.  Even someone totally incapacitated (unable to stand, walk, feed oneself, needs total 24/7 care) is not eligible.  This needs investigating and made more realistic to being alive.

It seems like we are penalised because I do not call on the medical services for minor things i.e. damage to skin, sores etc.

This too is a ridiculous situation. 

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Lucy Smith, Head of Nursing, Clinial, Oakhaven Hospice 4 years ago
Lucy Smith
Head of Nursing, Clinial,
Oakhaven Hospice

Submitted on 14/02/2020 at 15:44
Published on Care Opinion at 16:07

Thank you for taking the time to post feedback for us. This is appreciated.

We at Oakhaven are pleased you feel the support we offer is so beneficial.

We are also sorry to hear of your experience and frustrations with other services.

Here at Oakhaven, we are currently undertaking a review of the support we provide for carers as we recognise it can be a very rewarding, yet very daunting and challenging role to fulfil. If you are interested in hearing more about our review, or would like to contribute to it, please do mention to member of the Oakhaven staff in Day Hospice.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Tim Hunt, Head of Partnerships and Safeguarding, Care Opinion 4 years ago
Tim Hunt
Head of Partnerships and Safeguarding,
Care Opinion

Submitted on 24/02/2020 at 11:14
Published on Care Opinion at 11:33

picture of Tim Hunt

Hi Betaqm35,

Thank you for posting your feedback on Care Opinion. I am one of the managers here at Care Opinion. As we always like to give opportunities for all organisations to respond to feedback, I asked the local Clinical Commissioning Group to send something through to us. Their response below is in relation to the Continuing Healthcare part of your story. It is from the Communications Team.

Thanks again

Tim

We are sorry you feel you have not received appropriate care for your husband. Please contact our Patient Experience and Complaints team so they can investigate further. You can email them at WHCCG.YourFeedback@nhs.net or call on 0800 456 1633.

West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k