On Friday, I received a reply to the missive I sent my MP, The Rt. Hon. James Arbuthnot Esq.. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by his response. When I have emailed him in the past, I have very much felt I was getting a 'standard' 'pro-forma' reply. I have even received these standard replies suggesting solutions when the closing date for such action had already passed!
I would post the reply here, but it has a declaration at the bottom of it stating that 'Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted' Oppps, I just did!
Anyway, basically he asked did I want him to pursue the matter on my own behalf, or did I want my circumstances to be used to demonstrate the impact such PCT policies had and request a review of them in light of this to benefit a wider but anonymous demographic.
I replied that I didn't think it needed to be an either or situation, and I would like him to do both. I also included a link to an interesting article in The Telegraph this weekend about NHS Managers imposing 'blanket bans' on certain types of treatment. The article can be found here. I am hoping he can persuade my PCT to follow this instruction and rescind their 'blanket ban' on 12 weekly treatment.
The wheels seem to turn very slowly, so I am not hopeful that this will be resolved by the time I need treatment again, but am encouraged that this time I don't appear to be just be being 'paid lip service' to.
I'll keep you posted.
Comments
Celia
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I've heard from someone else about NHS 'blanket bans' and was interested to read that Telegraph article.
I was today contacted by a friend who found her father hungry in a ward that he was moved to after spending time in the Coronary Care Unit where he received the best of care. It is the old story of moral and leadership on the ward. I was able to tell my friend that the food from the food wagon has to reach a certain temperature and is too hot to eat. This apply s to chilled food, and is a health and safety recommendation. The problem is it cools quickly and needs to be eaten within 15 - 20 minutes. I advised her to talk to her M.P too and also the Surgeon at the Walsall Hospital. She had to change the minds of the staff who thought it valid to feed a virtual vegetarian chicken soup and roast beef. In fact his dietary requirements where on his notes, but it was said that they could not be seen because they were written in ink. this laps was then blamed on the kitchen staff.
Dearest Zoe, I feel like you that there is a need for a shift in the Care Industry and the concept of 'caring'. The word Nurse is a noun, verb and an adverb; put together it should suggest RESPONSIBILITY.
When a Doctor or Surgeon has used money and resources and a team to give a patient a tolerable or active life shorely it is his/her intention to send the patient on to a decent quality of after-care and medication.
Blessing to you, and may your ripples help others along the way.
Best wishes, call me if you need a bit of help...Gillie.