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Getting a diagnosis for my dad

Posted By hekaxs97

"Getting a diagnosis for my dad"

About: General practices in Dumfries and Galloway NHS Dumfries and Galloway

(as a relative),

Dad became unwell in March with suspected covid.   Out of all of us who fell ill I said at the time he got off the lightest however I don't think he did. Over the past year I've seen my very active dad who is in his late 70's and could walk 10 miles easily, go from this to being stooped, losing weight, being sick and having shakes in his hands. It took a few trips to the doctors (having to be covid negative first) and my brothers intervention to get a referral to a neurologist. However I know this is a pandemic we are in but how long does it take to be referred bearing in mind we are constantly told the NHS is still open for business? It's awful to see him go down hill so quickly when I know there is medication to improve his quality of life.  

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Responses

Response from Wendy Barron, Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service (STARS), Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service (STARS), NHS Dumfries and Galloway 3 years ago
Wendy Barron
Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service (STARS), Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service (STARS),
NHS Dumfries and Galloway

Submitted on 08/02/2021 at 14:52
Published on Care Opinion on 09/02/2021 at 09:54

Dear hekaxs97

I read your post on Care Opinion today. As you wait to hear about your fathers neurology appointment your father might benefit from short term assessment and rehabilitation whilst at home due to the impact of Covid.

The Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service STARS can offer assessment and support by registered Allied Health Professionals (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy), Senior Nurses and support workers to come to his home for circumstance such as you describe. Social Work colleagues and Health and Well being are key partners so can also be quickly accessed if necessary. If a period of short term rehabilitation would benefit then that can be directly arranged whilst awaiting your other appointments. If the need appears more complex or longer term the team will liaise to ensure this is communicated between colleagues and timelines can be established back to you. Support can also be explored for family/unpaid carers to ensure all of your well-being is fully considered meantime.

If you feel this is an option please speak with your father to ensure he is in agreement to a request for assistance. Ordinarily we would recommend speaking to your GP, Community Nurse or any Health or Social Care Professional you are working with to see if they feel this support would be beneficial and appropriate at this time as they can rapidly refer to the service. However if you feel you need to speak to someone today without delay please call 01387 241500 and ask to speak to the Senior Charge Nurse STARS who supports your home address area. The Senior can then pick up that conversation with you and other colleagues working with your father.

Trust this is a possible option for you both to consider as you await the referral and appointment with Neurology.

kind regards

Wendy Barron, Service Manager Reablement STARS

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Response from Alexis Brain, Patient Experience and Safety Manager, Patient Experience, NHS Dumfries and Galloway 3 years ago
Alexis Brain
Patient Experience and Safety Manager, Patient Experience,
NHS Dumfries and Galloway

Submitted on 08/02/2021 at 16:49
Published on Care Opinion at 16:49

Dear hekaxs97

Thank you for taking the time to share your dad's story with us. I can tell that you are understandably extremely worried about his health. I would really like to be able to help you to get some more information regarding your dad's referral and as I am unable to discuss individual cases on this forum, I would urge you to reach out to us as soon as you can. Please contact us via the Patient Experience Team on dg.dgpatientexperience@nhs.scot where one of the team will be delighted to help you and your dad attain some information around his care.

Please consider contacting us as soon as possible, where one of our team is waiting to be able to help.

Thank you for alerting us to this issue and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future yo discuss further

Kind regards

Alexis

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