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

Quality of Care

Posted By pintsizedyogi

"Quality of Care"

About: General practices in Lanarkshire NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service) University Hospital Wishaw / Trauma & orthopaedics

(as the patient),

I have been experiencing pain and mobility issues with my legs and lower back for a month. I have spoken to my GP numerous times, and I have been admitted to Wishaw Hospital twice. I have also had to call 111 on a number of occasions. I feel that I have been spoken down to and not taken seriously with regards to my concerns about my symptoms. My issue is concentrated in my lower back.

When I first visited Wishaw Hospital, I was informed by a consultant if I came back on Monday they would perform an MRI of my full spine and sacral area. I did not find out until after the scan was performed that I had only been scanned to L2, when my pain and symptoms are concentrated below this area. I have pointed this out to numerous members of medical staff and I have been given no explanation as to why they will not scan my lower back and sacral area.

I have been given numerous medications that are having no effect on my symptoms or relieved my pain. On contacting the 111 service today, and the ECU ward that I was admitted to yesterday, I have been told that my only option is to speak to my GP, who has said cannot help any further, or to present myself at A& E. I am so disappointed in the care I have received that I fear I have no option but to present myself to an emergency department in Glasgow in the hope of receiving appropriate care. I have been left afraid to seek any further medical care as a result of the way I have been treated.

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

Responses

Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 3 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 12/05/2020 at 16:25
Published on Care Opinion at 16:25

picture of Shona Lawrence

Dear pintzisedyogi

Thanks for sharing your experience on Care Opinion. This sounds like a painful and frustrating time for you. I am sorry you feel you are not being listened to.

I see a number of services have been tagged to your story which means that relevant staff can read of your experience and hopefully assist you.

I am replying in relation to your contact with 111 as I note you have mentioned calling us. It might be helpful to explain that, in a situation like yours, where a patient has ongoing health issues, then attending or contacting their own GP is often the best option as this can then lead to a referral to specialist services. Currently, as NHS 24 is operating the helpline due to the COVID-19 situation, during the 'in hours' period, when GP surgeries are open, we are referring patients to their own GP. You can however contact NHS 24 on 111 during the 'Out of Hours' period, when your GP is closed, for advice.

I am sorry you are afraid to seek further help. I would encourage you to re-contact your GP.

I hope that you get some resolution soon and that your health improves.

With best wishes

Shona

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Rick Edwards, Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres, NHS Lanarkshire 3 years ago
Rick Edwards
Service Manager Surgical & Critical Care, University Hospital Hairmyres,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 14/05/2020 at 08:31
Published on Care Opinion at 08:31

picture of Rick Edwards

Dear pintsizedyogi,

I'm sorry to hear about your ongoing back pain and associated problems and that your healthcare interactions to date have not managed to resolve your issues. Whilst I'm no expert I do know that back pain can be debilitating and people often need to make adjustments and learn techniques to cope with and manage their pain and symptoms. Like Shona and my other colleagues I would urge you to contact your GP in the first instance and avoid the Emergency Departments if possible.

You might also consider visiting the Musculoskeletal (MSK) section of the NHSinform website where there's lots of good information and advice to help with self-management for people experiencing symptoms of MSK disorders such as back pain or sports injuries https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints

Kind regards

Rick

Image title

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