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Only in the NHS

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
Hazel

Hazel

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I live half a mile away from a fully operational hospital, A and E, you name it.

I was referred to see a neurologist consultant (when I bend down, giddy and now passing out). My appt (Nov 29th) is at small cottage hospital out in the sticks, about 20 miles away. I did a recci yesterday and OK I do not drive, but round trip by bus 4 and a half hours. I could not believe it.

Yes perhaps I could get a later appt in our local hospital, but at least I do not have to wait too much longer.

Who had time to work!!!!?
 
Ah sorry to hear this @Hazel

From the thread title I didn’t know whether to expect frustration or a tale of amazing wonderful care delivered free at the point of need. The NHS excels at both, it seems!

Sorry to hear that your appointment arrangements are so difficult for you. Hopefully follow-ups can be more local to you.
 
You might try your local ambulance service.

By pointing out that you have an undiagnosed condition that could result in your falling down in an untidy heap in the bus, you could get a lift both to and from your appointment.

The service offered varies from area to area.
 
leonS said:
You might try your local ambulance service.

By pointing out that you have an undiagnosed condition that could result in your falling down in an untidy heap in the bus, you could get a lift both to and from your appointment.

The service offered varies from area to area.
Click to expand...
We have a non ambulancepatient transport system in West Yorkshire. You've to meet some cepriteria I believe.
Still a pain being the further, awkward one to get to.
 
Hazel said:
I live half a mile away from a fully operational hospital, A and E, you name it.

I was referred to see a neurologist consultant (when I bend down, giddy and now passing out). My appt (Nov 29th) is at small cottage hospital out in the sticks, about 20 miles away. I did a recci yesterday and OK I do not drive, but round trip by bus 4 and a half hours. I could not believe it.

Yes perhaps I could get a later appt in our local hospital, but at least I do not have to wait too much longer.

Who had time to work!!!!?
Click to expand...

Have you been shuffled to Stonehouse too @Hazel ? I can see Hairmyres from my kitchen window and have an appointment at Stonehouse next week...
 
Know how you feel, my eye appointments are held at a hospital 30 miles away and its a 6 hour round trip at least for me, come to think of it our MIU in my town was shut down, the one in the next town is only open until 7 or 8pm so if anything happens it would be a 30 mile journey for anyone in my area, our local hospital only does like diabetes outpatient appointments etc, they proved not long after the hospital closed wards and all that, that had they kept it open a man that had a crash would've more than likely survived but unfortunately didn't because of the added miles and time to the journey
 
Have a look on your hospital website regarding transport. We have links to a couple of volunteer organisations that provide transport for a small fee.
 
You might find local volunteer driver organisations via your local council website, or by asking at your surgery, or you could try this website to see if they have any listed in your area - https://ctauk.org/find-ct-provider/ I had to find one recently and discovered there are several in this area, only one of which I'd heard of beforehand. They charge a small fee, but better than having to rely on the bus for something like that, and cheaper/more helpful than a taxi.
 
Uller said:
Have you been shuffled to Stonehouse too @Hazel ? I can see Hairmyres from my kitchen window and have an appointment at Stonehouse next week...
Click to expand...
Ha, so not just me then.
Yes Stonehouse, a real pain. Hope you are ok
 
Ralph-YK said:
We have a non ambulancepatient transport system in West Yorkshire. You've to meet some cepriteria I believe.
Still a pain being the further, awkward one to get to.
Click to expand...

I expected that something like this would be the case. I did not think that any such service, however funded, would be offered to just anyone unwilling to use public transport.

This is the reason that I suggested claiming that a black out might be possible as that might be sufficient to be able to use the service. There is nothing wrong in putting the best possible "spin" on things in order to get a better result.

Unless you ask the question, you will not get a favourable answer.
 
Many thanks everyone for all kind advice.

1i just find it strange when I have a hospital on my doorstep, I have to attend a cottage hospital out in the sticks, but hayho.

I have my OAP free bus pass, so may as well put it to use.

I am sure there are many such experiences. Just want an answer to what ails me.

Bless you
 
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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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