Text size

Theme

Language

"B12 injection for pernicious anemia"

About: General practices in Lanarkshire

(as the patient),

I receive B12 injections every 8-10 weeks for my pernicious anemia, the injections are administered by treatment room nurses.

3 weeks ago I contacted the team to book my next appointment , I was told the service was not performing routine services due to Covid-19.

I then explained that my injections were not routine to me and I considered them essential to my health and wellbeing. I also informed the staff I was 14 weeks pregnant. I was told to contact my GP service. I contacted my GP practice and explained that I was informed I could not receive my next injection. The receptionist was very helpful & discussed my issue with a GP who said I should have my injection given I was pregnant. The receptionist then booked my appointment with the treatment room nursing team for today. I was very relieved.

Yesterday the nursing team contacted me to inform me the appointment would be a home visit and to check I had no Covid-19 symptoms. I then received no further contact from the treatment room until 3pm today when I contacted them to ask if a nurse was coming to my house. I was told they would phone me, I still haven't received any call from the treatment room nurses. I was contacted by a GP who informed me current guidance was I could miss this injection and get the next one, I explained this wasn't acceptable to me given I would experience symptoms which I didn't believe was appropriate given I am currently pregnant. I found the GP to be patronising and had a lack of care for my circumstances and feelings, they only seemed interested in guidance not my care.  The whole event has left me stressed and upset. I currently work in the health service and I fully understand the difficult situation all healthcare workers are currently experiencing but I was disappointed that in this situation I felt that patient centred care was lacking. I feel the lack of communication regarding the cancelling of this vital (to me) service disappointing. 

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

Responses

Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 5 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 01/05/2020 at 14:34
Published on Care Opinion at 14:34


picture of Rick Edwards

Dear b12preg,

I'm sorry for the disappointment, upset and frustration you are experiencing as a result of disruption to Treatment Room services due to COVID-19.

These are challenging times as you say; it sounds like your GP has reviewed clinical guidelines or evidence to ensure you continue to receive appropriate and safe ongoing care and I can only apologise for any breakdown in communication with the Treatment Room / District Nursing staff.

GP are independent contractors and are responsible for investigating and responding to any concerns a person may have about their service; they are not registered to respond directly to feedback through Care Opinion. I'd invite you to contact the Practice Manager if you'd like a direct response about the service you experienced.

Kind regards

Rick

Image title

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