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Annual Hospital Appointment

V

VerityJ

Active Member
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Hi everyone. I just wanted to get everyones opinion on what they think of their diabetic consultants and what type of care they get at their annual appointment, or if you get to see him/her more often than annually. I had my annual appointment last week and was totally stunned at the lack of care I received. My HBA1c results were not ready, even though I had my blood taken ten days prior to my appointment, was never asked for my blood testing book, let alone my pump or my tester being downloaded/uploaded. No mention of control, feet, cannula sites etc. However he did up my Metformin and I was weighed and blood pressure taken.

Do you think this is acceptable. I am thinking of chaning hospital. Anyone really happy with their hospital in the London/Surrey area that they could recommend. I have looked on the INPUT site but would like some personal opinions!

Many thanks.

Verity
 
Sounds pretty poor. I get seen every 6 months and HbA1C done, eyes screened, feet looked at, injection sites looked at and always go over my last couple of weeks BG levels. Was this a one-off poor check-up or is it always like that ?
 
I'm meant to see my team every 4 months, but it's nearer 5/6.

My bloods are taken there and then and the hba1c result provided 5 minutes later. Monitor data downloaded and the last week discussed.

It's fairly regimented, but I do seem to get better care than you!


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mo1905 said:
Sounds pretty poor. I get seen every 6 months and HbA1C done, eyes screened, feet looked at, injection sites looked at and always go over my last couple of weeks BG levels. Was this a one-off poor check-up or is it always like that ?
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It seems to be getting worst everytime I go back. I have no contact with the hospital throughout the year not even with a DSN! I just find it amazing that the PCT splash out such alot of money on a pump for us lucky ones and leave you to it. I am just pleased that I am quite competent at looking after myself but I just feel it would be nice for a healthcare person to show a bit of caring! Not sure if I am just feeling a bit sorry for myself today!
 
When I see the consultant he fills out a sheet with when he would next like to see me. This is usally 4 months but was 6 months when they knew I was coming in for the local equivalent of DAFNE.

I get my bloods for the hba1c test taken on the day and they are available when I go in to see the consultant.

I also get my weight/blood pressure checked everytime. I also see the dietician or DSN if necessary.

The care I get is excellent.

The only issue I have is that my feet haven't been checked since September 2012 but I have clinic this Friday so hopefully get it done then.
 
mo1905 said:
Sounds pretty poor. I get seen every 6 months and HbA1C done, eyes screened, feet looked at, injection sites looked at and always go over my last couple of weeks BG levels. Was this a one-off poor check-up or is it always like that ?
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity and I hope you don't mind me asking. What amount of Metformin do you take?
 
VerityJ said:
Out of curiosity and I hope you don't mind me asking. What amount of Metformin do you take?
Click to expand...
just 1 tablet in the evening. I was told it helps with insulin sensitivity.
 
mo1905 said:
just 1 tablet in the evening. I was told it helps with insulin sensitivity.
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I have just been upped to 2 x 500mg Metform SR in the morning and it has had a dramatic affect on my sugar for the better. That was one good thing that come out of the appointment!
 
No I don't think it's acceptable and I would either complain or change hospitals as you've already thought of. Diabetes UK have put together the 15 healthcare essentials that you should receive free from the NHS when you have diabetes, obviously some won't be applicable depending upon your circumstances:

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/15-essentials
 
Your appointment was unacceptable for anyone let alone a pump user and I would insist on another one when the HBa1C info is available; you have a right to that. I have my appointments at my local surgery and overall they have been good and the blood and urine analysis is always available having had it taken 2 weeks before at the surgery or local hospital. The DUK website lists the things that should be done at the annual appointment
 
My nurse at the doctors is not too clued up but I don't think she's a specialist iykwim? My new dsn, that I met at a carb counting course is brilliant. I'm able to email any concerns queries etc. she was on holiday a couple of weeks ago and one of her colleagues replied really quickly.
I still have to go to the docs for blood pressure etc
 
Unacceptable Verity, in my opinion. I get to see the consultant ever 4-5 months, they ask to see my pump data at the end of the week before my appointment and they always have the data on screen to look at when I get there. They check everything, feet, blood pressure and cannula insertion points. They advise me of my HBA1c. They ask me a series of questions on T1 stuff relating to using a pump e.g. how would I work out the ratio the long acting insulin on MDI if my pump failed. They then give me a printout of all my blood results including a full breakdown of things like cholesterol. Within a week I get a full statement of the appointment with everything that we discussed and all the data like HBA1c, blood pressure, weight etc. I do think that I receive excellent treatment from my diabetes team. Ideally, It's the level of service that we should all get.
 

Wow that is absolutely fantastic. In 30 years of being T1, I have never experienced care like that! I think I seriously need to change my hospital. I don't suppose your hospital is in the London area?
 
No - back of beyond in West Wales but apparently our diabetes team has the highest rate of pump users in Wales which is viewed as progressive my most. I am lucky to have this service.
 
I've just moved to Charing Cross Hosp - led by a really supporting Dr and they are really into diabetes technology (good for me on CGM). So happy with the care and support I've had there so far.


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