Anyone believing the NHS will be there ‘from cradle to grave’, might be in for a shock if admitted to hospital today – particularly if they are aged 65 or over.
Recently cracks showing in NHS services, have broadened into massive gaps. Services that were available, often no longer exist. TV and newspapers feature stories of what’s going wrong. And anyone who has recently been an In-patient may have found the experience an ordeal – particularly if they are over 65.
Yes, there are wonderful uplifting stories of superb care – but there is a dark side that too many are now experiencing. And it looks as if it is going to get worse.
Postcode lottery
Living in certain areas of the UK, it is impossible to obtain some services which are freely available in other parts of the UK.
Recently, I needed an infusion to continue treatment for Osteoporosis. Had it successfully in London, but it was refused when I moved to Oxfordshire. However, my wonderful Rheumatologist, on secondment from Barcelona General Hospital, said “do you want me to fight for this?” He had no allegiance to the NHS, so didn;t have to know tow to them, and thanks to him I am now getting this in Oxford.
But when I fractured my pelvis, I found it impossible to get the physiotherapy I needed to recover.
Valerie C. fractured her pelvis twice; the first time was in London, where she received a full package of excellent care, including physiotherapy, which got her back on her feet. The second time was in Oxfordshire, where she was sent home from a Community hospital and told Carers would be supervising her exercise. The Carers refused, saying they weren’t trained, and she now hobbles around, almost completely house-bound.
So why can Londoners source this necessary treatment – yet we can’t get it if we break bones in Oxfordshire?
healthcare being provided and the overall performance of the health system. Darzi himself is 64, so must have some sympathy for those approaching 65. Darzi’s report will have a particular focus on “assessing patient access to healthcare, the quality of healthcare being provided and the overall performance of the health system“. Let us hope that his report is LISTENED TO. And doesn’t just gather dust sitting on a Dept. Health shelf, as so often happens.
Reality today
Like most people, I read shocking stories about what happened to others undergoing NHS care – but didn’t think it would happen to me. I have been an In-patient in 28 hospitals, After two horrendous episodes in the mega-size John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, I came out appalled at the way NHS care has dumbed down.
Nurse training is shortened;I found staff didn’t bother to read my admission notes; doctors aren’t on-callIn o, but seem to work part-time, and infection control is a thing of the past. In one hospital I heard a massive row between the Physio staff and nurses. Doors were slammed shut so patients couldn’t hear what was going on! But from what I could glean the Physios had got fed up with slovenly nursing,, and rightly were having a go. I was totally on their side, and judging by their smiles afterwards, they won the day!
Back home, the next time I had a bad fall and had to call Paramedics, I spent time persuading the excellent crew that I did NOT need to be taken to the John Radcliffe A & E. I was better off at home. Citing
- Infection control – I reckon my little flat is far cleaner
- lack of doctors – last time I spent three days being shunted around from one A & E dept. to another, because I hadn’t been seen by a qualified doctor
- lack of trained nurses – I knew what needed to be done, and could ‘order’ appropriate care from my bedside; with just as much chance of getting it as I would in hospital
- no chance of me mislaying my drugs in my own home – this had happened frequently in the John Radcliffe. Staff are too busy to note which drugs have been received from the Pharmacy for which patient. So medicines go walk-about.
The Paramedics finally agreed to leave me at home – and I reckon I recovered just as quickly – probably quicker as I hadn’t picked up any HAi (hospital-acquired infection) – I had picked up three the last time, including one that made me almost blind.
So there’s a massive amount of work to be done to restore confidence in the NHS. Not least getting rid of the iniquitous postcode lottery. And provide better care for the over 65s, so they don’t feel alone and ignored.
Please, Lord Darzi, do something to restore patient confidence in today’s NHS.