DN Allocated Time Slots

[bluebird]

I was diagnosed Type2 three years ago. I am managing to control my diabetes through diet. I visit my DN every three months and in the beginning she seemed happy to answer my many questions. However, the last two visits have been hurried (she says that they only have 15 min time slots). She checks my weight, urine, BP, Finger prick blood test, pulse on feet. There is no time left to ask questions and she appears stressed out looking at the clock to see if we're running over time.
After my visit yesterday I feel quite angry about the situation. Do they want us to develop complications (incidentally Hbac1 tests are annual). If it wasn't for this forum I would probably be still in the dark regarding how to best control my diabetes.

Would be interest to know how much time members are allocated with the DN.

Val

 

[sugarless sue]

Well I know that our DN has 20 minute slots and that the yearly review,where she checks feet etc is two slots= 40 minutes.

 

[Stuboy]

as far as i know... there's no time frame per appointment at my local surgery... I've been in there 45 minutes for a simple "how you doin" checkup recently...

Post code lottery!?

 

[chocoholic]

Well check ups with my DN take about 5 - 10 minutes at the most. When I volunteer my B.G. diary, she doesn't even want to look at it. :roll:

 

[Nemo]

I actually have no idea if my DSN has time slots, but then I do not access the one at my surgery, all my diabetes care is at the hospital where I am classed officialy as 'out of area'. However, I have always been give as long as I need, be it 2o minutes or an hour. The downside is that she is often running late as the same care is given to everyone, but actually, if i am taking up more time than I am allocated, that is a very small price to pay and it never bothers me at all.

 

[Katharine]

Our new nurse says that she really needs 35 minutes to do her job right with each patient. She doesn't actually get this though.

 

[bluebird]

Hi Katherine

I agree with your new nurse. How can you possibly go through the checks as well as respond to the questions patients have thought of since the previous visit. It is very frustrating and it makes us feel as though we are not receiving the proper care.

I suppose that there is nothing to be done but put up with it.

Regards Val