Hi
I recently moved to London from South Africa to continue studies. I'm here long enough that I am fully eligible for NHS, thankfully- I'm just struggling working out how to navigate the system to get the care I need! I've had T1D for nearly 25 years, use an insulin pump, CGM when I can get sensors, test BG often, etc. I brought a lot of supplies over here with me when I first arrived, but obviously need to work out how to get new, regular supplies of everything- as well as the necessary appointments with doctors...
So I've registered with a GP, and am currently getting my scripts for insulin, test strips, levothyroxine (also have hypothyroidism) from there. I've had to change GP once since getting here in September last year because we moved apartment. The first GP I was registered with told me I could get whichever BG meter strips and ketone strips I preferred- seeing as I had a freestyle optium meter already, I happily went with that, and I like it because I can use it to test BG and ketones. The nurse at my new GP has told me that they are not meant to prescribe those strips because it's not an NHS "preferred" meter- but he couldn't tell me what the preferred meters were. I managed to get the regular freestyle ones for now, but need to sort this out soon. He would also only prescribe me 100 strips for a month. (I've been paying cash for extra that I need each month).
so my first two questions:
1) Can anyone confirm if the NHS has "preferred" BG meters, and if so what they are, and if they are any good (accuracy most NB, then also ease of use, compactness, memory storage, etc)?
2) 100 test strips a month is really not enough for someone using an insulin pump (or any self-monitoring PWD IMO). Is this nurse just being difficult, or this a system wide limit for monthly prescriptions?/ What is the max number of test strips we can be prescribed for a month?
I've also finally gotten the GP to write me a referral letter to an endocrinologist, because as far as I've been able to work out, I need to get insulin pump supplies via an endo/ diabetologist/ specialist clinic.. three questions here:
1) can anyone explain exactly how this system works? ie repeat prescription for pump supplies, or direct supply? regular appointments?
2) if i got pump supply scripts from here, do I get scripts for everything else (insulin, test strips etc) from them too, or does that still come from the GP?
3) Am I allowed to have a preference of where I get referred to? or is it on a catchment area basis, same as with GPs? The GP wants to send the referral to Charring Cross hospital because its the nearest to him, but not overly convenient for me as it's not that near to where I live or spend my time- I guess someplace like UCLH would be more convenient because I'm in that area for University pretty much everyday...
3.2) Lastly, if I am allowed to have a preferrence, does any one have any experience on where may be best to be referred to/ a really good reason why I should opt for the less convenient hospital?
Long post, I know, sorry! I've really not found the NHS that easy the navigate, any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!
I recently moved to London from South Africa to continue studies. I'm here long enough that I am fully eligible for NHS, thankfully- I'm just struggling working out how to navigate the system to get the care I need! I've had T1D for nearly 25 years, use an insulin pump, CGM when I can get sensors, test BG often, etc. I brought a lot of supplies over here with me when I first arrived, but obviously need to work out how to get new, regular supplies of everything- as well as the necessary appointments with doctors...
So I've registered with a GP, and am currently getting my scripts for insulin, test strips, levothyroxine (also have hypothyroidism) from there. I've had to change GP once since getting here in September last year because we moved apartment. The first GP I was registered with told me I could get whichever BG meter strips and ketone strips I preferred- seeing as I had a freestyle optium meter already, I happily went with that, and I like it because I can use it to test BG and ketones. The nurse at my new GP has told me that they are not meant to prescribe those strips because it's not an NHS "preferred" meter- but he couldn't tell me what the preferred meters were. I managed to get the regular freestyle ones for now, but need to sort this out soon. He would also only prescribe me 100 strips for a month. (I've been paying cash for extra that I need each month).
so my first two questions:
1) Can anyone confirm if the NHS has "preferred" BG meters, and if so what they are, and if they are any good (accuracy most NB, then also ease of use, compactness, memory storage, etc)?
2) 100 test strips a month is really not enough for someone using an insulin pump (or any self-monitoring PWD IMO). Is this nurse just being difficult, or this a system wide limit for monthly prescriptions?/ What is the max number of test strips we can be prescribed for a month?
I've also finally gotten the GP to write me a referral letter to an endocrinologist, because as far as I've been able to work out, I need to get insulin pump supplies via an endo/ diabetologist/ specialist clinic.. three questions here:
1) can anyone explain exactly how this system works? ie repeat prescription for pump supplies, or direct supply? regular appointments?
2) if i got pump supply scripts from here, do I get scripts for everything else (insulin, test strips etc) from them too, or does that still come from the GP?
3) Am I allowed to have a preference of where I get referred to? or is it on a catchment area basis, same as with GPs? The GP wants to send the referral to Charring Cross hospital because its the nearest to him, but not overly convenient for me as it's not that near to where I live or spend my time- I guess someplace like UCLH would be more convenient because I'm in that area for University pretty much everyday...
3.2) Lastly, if I am allowed to have a preferrence, does any one have any experience on where may be best to be referred to/ a really good reason why I should opt for the less convenient hospital?
Long post, I know, sorry! I've really not found the NHS that easy the navigate, any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!
