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Unable to make appointment for bloods and see Diabetic Nurse

PatsyB

Well-Known Member
Messages
3,054
Location
Notts
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Diabetes
Neve r had this trouble before but rang the surgery yesterday to book a 6 monthly blood test and was told they put me on a waiting list, I siad well the diabetic Norse told me to make the appointment and was told everyone now has to go on the list I mean what on earth is going on with GP surgery's these days , has anyone else had this trouble or is it just my Surgery
 
Patsy, do you have a hospital nearby where you can have your bloods taken? I find that can be useful sometimes.
 
Happening all over the UK unfortunately. Some places worse that others. Massive underfunding of our NHS has seen it being crippled. I'd carry on but appreciate this isn't a political forum
 
Morning @PatsyB.

Have not encountered this personally, but l live in a densely populated area where there would be other options nearby.

Clearly you need an early morning test and go fasted. That means there will be limited time slots available. Were you told the likely waiting time? If not, I'd give the surgery a call and ask. They should also be able to tell you where your nearest phlebotomy services are located, should you be facing an unacceptable delay.
 
I've experienced this, but now go to the hospital for all my blood tests. However, some surgeries won't allow you to do that, as it costs the surgery.
 
If it’s an hba1c test there is no need to fast as it’s an average of the last 3 months.
 
Outlier said:
However if they are testing other things than BG, e.g. cholesterol, it can be very wise to go fasted.
Click to expand...
I'd agree

Most tests I've had have been more involved than just HBA1c.

So I like that going fasted, I recreate as close as possible the same conditions every time .
.....spot on, no but as good as I can get it.

A waste of all that information otherwise imho .
 
Lucky here, @PatsyB

Got blood test date I couldn't make, asked for ticket to go local hospital. All done in my own good time.

Nb, do take all paperwork with you , they will not see you otherwise.

Don't ask me how I know.

Good luck getting it sorted asap.
 
I have to say I have never been to the Hospital for blood tests and results, never seen a diabetic specialist as the Nurse has always seen me at the GP surgery how ever when I rang to make the appointment the receptionist made it very clear there is a waiting list for all blood tests etc I am not amused at this but have to say I have never encountered this before, but being on insulin they would think they would make the effort to get you seen
 
Patsy, when I have blood drawn at the hospital, the results go to whomever requested the bloods (in your case, your GP), and they appear on my record in the usual way when the bloods come back from the lab. All that I am doing, in going to the hospital is cutting out the wait for an appointment at the GP surgery.

Maybe ask your GP if you could have the paperwork and investigate your local hospital. Where I go, it is called The (name withheld) Test Centre. All they do is draw blood for anyone with the paperwork.
 
Hey there,

Thanks for sharing your experience. It's frustrating when healthcare systems or individual practices have limitations that impact patient care.

It's interesting to hear that you now go to the hospital for your blood tests. It sounds like that's working better for you. It's unfortunate that some surgeries might not allow this due to costs. It's a tough situation because managing diabetes requires regular monitoring and support, and cost should ideally not be a barrier to accessing necessary care.

Have you found that going to the hospital for your blood tests has made a difference in your diabetes management? And have you encountered any other challenges or barriers along the way?
 
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