My wife, who I am her Registered Carer, was diagnosed with dementia in Alzheimer's. Prior to that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the 1980's, She is partially sighted with one "good" eye.
My "experience" of help and support has been very mixed. Mostly, sadly poor.
Dementia in Alzheimer's:
This, is her main problem. She was referred to The Memory Clinic.. She was allocated a Nurse at the Memory Clinic. She was prescribed two medications. These resulted in her becoming suffering hallucinations and being very drowsy. They simply did not work.
The Nurse referred my wife to the "Specialist" who, running late, re-prescribed one of the medications! ! As my wife did not take the medication she was discharged! No further help was available!
Doctor's Appointments:
We experienced problems in obtaining appointments at Stock Hill Medical Centre, Biggin Hill. The system was to telephone at 08. 00 hours and wait on the telephone to make an appointment. Twice after telephoning at 08. 00 hours, being disconnected, then finding you were 20+ in queue the reply was no appointments today,Go to A&E. , Farnborough if you need to see a Doctor today!” Written and verbal complaints were made to the Practice to no satisfactory conclusion! Therefore, as I was registered at Norheads Lane Surgery, after my attending for a blood test, I transferred my wife to Norhead's Lane. I had experienced very good attention, when necessary, fortunately not often. Particular praise and thanks go to Practice Nurse, who was/is always, very, very helpful. The Receptionists also are always very polite and helpful. Thank goodness for Norheads Lane Surgery.
Podiatry Service:
This is my current problem! Due to my wife's Diabetic conditions, she qualified for Podiatry Care. This was provided at Orpington Hospital. The service was excellent. As you are aware Orpington's Podiatry Department closed and transfer to Beckenham Hospital was made. There the parking is impossible. If you are 10 minutes late, you were threatened with the loss of the appointment. The Podiatrist was very good. I explained the problem of travelling from Biggin Hill and more importantly parking at Beckenham Hospital. The Podiatrist was brilliant. She immediately made on the system an Appointment for Biggin Hill Clinic. This was made and again we saw the same podiatrist. Brilliant!
Now, on our recent visit, despite all my wife's conditions, as detailed, we were told that she will be discharged as her feet do not meet the criteria! Age Concern will take over the service. For two days now I have been trying to reach the Podiatry Department of Age Concern. Answerphone messages, and when, you manage to speak to Reception it seems impossible to get through to Podiatry! A direct line was provided. -No reply after numerous efforts. A Carer, who I pay, employed by Age Concern, but engaged independently,for Sitting and Hygiene Services advises that Age Concern do not offer Podiatry or support with Washing etc!
Please advise!
"My "experience" of help and support has been very mixed"
About: Bromley Healthcare / Podiatry Bromley Healthcare Podiatry BR2 7EH NHS England London NHS England London Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust / Older people's mental health Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust Older people's mental health DA2 7WG
Posted by Don Quixote (as ),
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