This morning's clinic appointment...

hope you get the right decision at the next appointment

tim2000s said:

Well, I had a very frustrating clinic appointment this morning. Bloody useless registrars is the expression that springs to mind. I'm not going to post the whole story in here as it is a huge post, but suffice to say that I left it with a lot of disappointment and a spark of hope. I've written about it on the blog, as it's a very long story, but I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts on their experiences.

I just left it all wondering why I bother with the NHS sometimes.

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I saw a registrar last time - was a complete waste of time (not that I needed any help). Thankfully my results weren't ready, so we just chatted about our trips to Africa

@tim2000s copy that blog post off and send it the chief big wig at the hospital and ask for his comments.

I ask to see a certain consultant last year got to the hospital (90 mile round trip) to be told I was seeing someone else as the consultant I had asked to see didn't hold a clinic that day. Fine I said and walked out and went straight to PALS and complained about it.

Sorry to hear it was bad Tim.

In my experience, once you've got a good HbA1c (<~7%) and low number of hypos, you already know more than any specialist. If diabetic HCPs knew the answer, the National Diabetes Audit results wouldn't be so bad.

it is really a shame you had to have written such a blog about your appointment because of such a poor experience.
I do feel for you as you are an inspiration on the forum with your knowledge and insight.
I do hope you get a result in your next appointment.

i normally do get to see my consultant( who is very good) but on the occasions when I have been seen by a registrar I just nod and am in and out in under 10 minutes

I'm sorry you had this bad experience Tim. I hope the outcome of the clinic meeting is in your favour.

Just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your blog. I aspire to having such good knowledge about diabetes as you!

How very frustrating Tim. So sorry. Yes, it could be really de-motivating. But not to you.

In the last resort, you are running yourself as best you can, and that's very well.

It's worse really for all the poor sods who have not got their T 1 (or T 2) under any sort of control. Oh dear - how they are served.

Go on, send in that blog post to somebody high up where it will get read.

Lucy

Incidentally... As well as PALS to complain too there is also a patient advocacy independent group for most areas to actually assist patients to put in a complaint if necessary.
I know there is Pohwer in my region to help me and there is a website :
www.nhscomplaintsadvocacy.org

All patients who need advice regarding complaints can contact these people.

If I was in your position Tim2000s I would certainly consider contacting them.

I have had different issues to speak to them about but they are certainly helpful...

People know about PALS.. But unaware of next steps if complaints are not resolved...

tim2000s said:

Thanks @himtoo. I suspect that the frustration for me is that I am told by a number of people that my clinic is a pump-friendly one, and very good, yet my last two experiences have been with registrars with limited knowledge, and I expressly asked to see the senior consultant on this occasion.

I'll see what the outcome of the end of clinic meeting is and then take next steps from there.

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Tim - Have you considered writing to your Consultant or whomever the clinic head honcho is to related what has happened? I always think it's the decent thing to give the head honcho the opportunity to put things right, or at least to know about it, before I go in with the guns - after all, it is their reputation (by virtue of the Registrar's reporting line and accountabilities) that you are likely to be complaining about. If you write, just give them 2 weeks to respond, then go for it if you have to.

I hate to have to do it, but when I do have to go in with the guns, I really am The Wicked Witch.

I might be just having a blonde moment, (that and I am definitely technologically challenged!) but is there a link to your blog, please?

I do hope they agree to giving you a pump tim, after all the work you have put in to get such good control, I put you in for the mods job the other day as you are very helpful and are very edjucated in diabetes

tim2000s said:

In my signature, but if you are using the app it's www.diabettech.com @Ruth_C

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Yes, I'm using the app... Thanks so much.

I'm pretty new to all this, but I've been researching and trying to up my game in an attempt to get on a pump. Great post in that it gives someone like me ammunition and new ideas to put forward to my own consultant, not so great that you've come away so frustrated and angry. Sorry... But I'll keep my paws crossed and hope this so-called Specialist Registrar comes up trumps for you.

Have just read yr blog and not surprised really at the outcome..

tim2000s said:

Well, I had a very frustrating clinic appointment this morning. Bloody useless registrars is the expression that springs to mind. I'm not going to post the whole story in here as it is a huge post, but suffice to say that I left it with a lot of disappointment and a spark of hope. I've written about it on the blog, as it's a very long story, but I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts on their experiences.

I just left it all wondering why I bother with the NHS sometimes.

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Hi, Tim, I have just read your blog - though I often share your frustration regarding clinic visits, i do support the NHS. Your appointment was not long after the strike and things are in crisis at the moment - your registrar may have been under some stress, he or she has to follow strict rules. And so soon after the strike there were probably more patients to see - many appointments were cancelled on strike day and so clinics will have a backlog - i was in clinic on strike day as i had an emergency and attended clinic unexpectedly, i saw the numbers of patients these doctors are seeing, and the complications, and the lack of money, and i have a different take - the NHS cant treat every patient personally with the available resources and the massive increases in patient numbers, and little increase in doctors. They do step in if you have a crisis, you feel safe. As the BBC health website says, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35374588, there just are not enough diabetes doctors, there is a real crisis building. The consultants may not have much power - our NHS is underfunded compared those in many other European countries - maybe it would be a better idea to write to the Health Minister or your MP?
I do sometimes think there must be a better model for diabetes care, and in 37 years have never really found clinic visits something to look forward to, but the patient numbers are now even larger, and every patient is so different , with different interests and knowledge, and varying motivation, and the doctor has only a short time with each patient, and may not see even them again.I am not sure i know what the solution is......?