Covid: Half with cancer signs didn't contact GP in first wave
25/02/2021
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news
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health
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Symptoms left unchecked included lumps, changes to moles and coughing up blood, a survey finds.
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JJJJ
25/02/2021 10:43:47
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bbc
Sadly we will be seeing many more cases like this in the years to come
And now NHS is asking Women to do self-test for cervical cancer. Nurses doing the test had to go on a training to do that, but people are asked to do without any training. Shame on NHS.
Why? what wrong with doing a self test?
... and equally many were turned away by GPs. I know of at least 1 VSAA diagnosis was delayed by 6 months or more due to GP not being prepared for face to face and blood test!
I suspect that the people causing the delays aren't reluctant potential patients but GPs themselves. It took me several attempts to contact my GP cos the surgery weren't answering phone calls, website was unusable - no appointments available, they understandably refused walk-in callers
Once I made it through I was treated well & quickly referred to a cancer specialist
Keep trying & good luck folks
Once I made it through I was treated well & quickly referred to a cancer specialist
Keep trying & good luck folks
Even at the best of times I tend to avoid the inconvenience of a GP, with non-medical receptionists used as gatekeepers. Seeing a GP is too much hassle, most of the time.
When I needed a hernia operation I referred myself to the specialist, had the operation done, and let them send him the notes for his files. I've also bypassed him and gone straight to Moorfields.
Right decision both times.
When I needed a hernia operation I referred myself to the specialist, had the operation done, and let them send him the notes for his files. I've also bypassed him and gone straight to Moorfields.
Right decision both times.
very lucky. I keep getting blocked by NHS England (been going on for several years) - even for private consultation/treatment. Even have a surgeon lined up who I paid privately.
Don't blame it on people! It's GP's that are to blame for not being there!
Three times in lockdown I've tried to contact the GP, what a waste of time. I ended up with antibiotics through the emergency route.
Don't blame it on people! It's GP's that are to blame for not being there!
It's been impossible to contact my GP or anyone else in the health centre for very nearly a year.
The issue reported here is the tip of a very large iceberg & in the long run lives lost indirectly through the panicked over-reaction to Covid are going to cause far more ill health & premature death than Covid ever could.
The issue reported here is the tip of a very large iceberg & in the long run lives lost indirectly through the panicked over-reaction to Covid are going to cause far more ill health & premature death than Covid ever could.
This is where the secondary effects of Covid start to come home to roost.
The NHS didn't collapse (so far) however it did so at forgoing anything non covid with some trusts even briefly cancelling urgent cancer ops.
Let's hope that as we march on in the vaccination program pressure is releived and the backlog can start to be tackled.
The NHS didn't collapse (so far) however it did so at forgoing anything non covid with some trusts even briefly cancelling urgent cancer ops.
Let's hope that as we march on in the vaccination program pressure is releived and the backlog can start to be tackled.
GP’s were quick to divert you to A&E prior to COVID now this emergency has given them a way to totally wash their hands of us.
Not so where I live. The GP has been quick to arrange essential check-ups and blood tests and not a lot has changed.
Never can get to see a GP as you can’t get past the Guard Dogs on reception
Yes.
Triage by amateurs.
Certain key words trigger the go somewhere else response.
I never got past "fall" before being shunted off to the local Urgent Treatment Centre.
All I wanted were some painkillers for painful ribs.
All the UTC did was give me some Zapain tablets which the surgery could have done.
Triage by amateurs.
Certain key words trigger the go somewhere else response.
I never got past "fall" before being shunted off to the local Urgent Treatment Centre.
All I wanted were some painkillers for painful ribs.
All the UTC did was give me some Zapain tablets which the surgery could have done.
I've been blocked for over 5 years after seeing a consultant oncologist and then referred for treatment. GP 'guard dogs' are just the tip of an iceberg. I even tried going abroad for private treatment - which the NHS blocked.
I began trying to get an appointment for a prostate scan and blood test 1st week in January. I have called the clinic dozens of times and not once have I even managed to speak to a person. Until this morning when receptionist answered to tell me they are c!osed today.
Don't blame it on people! It's GP's that are to blame for not being there!
I was lucky if I could get an appointment before all of this happened. Healthcare varies a lot depending where you live. It's very bad in North Hampshire.
We are not attacking the NHS but we are asking why we can't actually see our GP.
if you are prepared to sit on the phone for literally hours for a receptionist to allow you an appointment.
We see so many cases on the BBC News of younger people, diagnosed with cancer before the pandemic began, only to have their treatment iniquitously stopped and then dying. Is it not surprising that so many people now sadly feel 'Why bother to tell the GP'.
Yes I agree my daughter was one of them ,the pandemic is bad but people with serious problems were being put on back burner not being seen to why is there lives less important than someone with coved some of them are dying to and some could have been saved but no coved sufferers came first
A perfect example of the consequences of prioritising Covid deaths above all others. It will take years, if ever, for the finally tally to become known, but I suspect for every Covid death we may have prevented by locking down, we caused another one by not diagnosing or treating other conditions. When the dust settles & history is written, it'll all be seen as a hysterical over-reaction
And Boris et al have apparently said they'll include them with the figures rather than set in the balance against their policies.
People are still dying in their hundreds DAILY and you say it's an overreaction. Shameful.
There were numerous reasons ppeople delayed being checked, top of the list the message before the first big lockdown trumpeted by central and devolved governments " go out and you will die ", heavily proclaimed through all media outlets, only when the big lockdown was deemed to have been enough did we begin to see, " remember we are still open " from medical centres and hospitals, mixed messaging
Its not just people who have cancer needing treatment but there are many other serious illness that needs treatment. The main problem is getting to see your GP yes your get a telephone call or a video link but that isn't the same. Why can't surgeries give us appointments to actually see a GP.
Oh I TOTALLY agree with this post I have been healthy all my life but since last November have had severe pains in kidneys and lower back, phoned doctors numerous times, did manage to get a blood test which came back clear but still in chronic pain, now noticed lump developed in lower back, again rang doctor few days ago pleading to be seen face to face or offering to pay for a scan, both denied!!
Agreed, would be a great benefit if those who were able did a lot of basic checks themselves. The resource could then go to those who can’t, or other things.
Its not just people who have cancer needing treatment but there are many other serious illness that needs treatment. The main problem is getting to see your GP yes your get a telephone call or a video link but that isn't the same. Why can't surgeries give us appointments to actually see a GP.
Oh I TOTALLY agree with this post I have been healthy all my life but since last November have had severe pains in kidneys and lower back, phoned doctors numerous times, did manage to get a blood test which came back clear but still in chronic pain, now noticed lump developed in lower back, again rang doctor few days ago pleading to be seen face to face or offering to pay for a scan, both denied!!
Go to A and E, they will have to see you there. If only to set your mind at rest. Use a FFP3 antiviral mask when visiting.
Shameful. We have all spent our entire working lives paying for the NHS to exist to protect all of us, not to address one condition alone and lecture us insultingly and inappropriately in toe-curling television ads. How much are those costing?
Have you tried the NHS central phone line? They seem to have a little leverage with GP practices. It might not work but worth a try?
They told us again and again: "stay at home protect the NHS". Again and again we hear NHS staff are tired,demoralised and ill prepared to cope with fresh waves of Covid. We are also told that specialist departments have been redeployed from Acute medicine to fight Covid. We hear many hospital processes are discontinued. If 'mechanics' are not available to fix a problem why risk going there?
The message wasn't "stay at home if you think you might have cancer".
It was stay at home and avoid unnecessary trips in order to minimise virus transmission.
Looks like they should have used puppets to simplify the message further.
It was stay at home and avoid unnecessary trips in order to minimise virus transmission.
Looks like they should have used puppets to simplify the message further.
No surprise when it was drummed into people by the NHS and Government to only attend hospital if you have covid.
Agreed.
They, government and NHS did a really good job in telling people to protect the NHS by avoiding visits to A&E and GPs.
My GP surgery now closed for nearly a year.
Even now, while you sit on telephone hold, the same message is "we are extremely busy", every day, every hour.
Pretty much given up
They, government and NHS did a really good job in telling people to protect the NHS by avoiding visits to A&E and GPs.
My GP surgery now closed for nearly a year.
Even now, while you sit on telephone hold, the same message is "we are extremely busy", every day, every hour.
Pretty much given up
I have telephoned my Doctor's in Scotland the past 2 days to try and arrange an appointment. After umpteen attempts I finally got through to be told that the Doctors are not seeing anyone face to face and only telephone appointments are on offer. However these are only available on a daily basis and today is fully booked. Try again tomorrow. I did not realise that Covid prevents using a 'Diary'!
I think they evaluate how serious it is. I was instantly given an appointment, the only thing was I couldnt make it as I was an hour away at work. They did it for 4 hrs later. I am confident I could ring up and get an appointment same day with my illness.
Why? what wrong with doing a self test?
Over many years and various political admins the NHS has been cut back to a degree whereby it can't react to a minor crisis let alone a pandemic.
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
From people I've talked to, the problem appears to have been less at the hospital level of the NHS and more to do with access to GPs.
Gosh, really ?
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
If it's really a petition why is not on petition.parliament.uk ?
As others have said why is this not on parliamentary petitions. No reason to attack the issue on many fronts.
On topic I was able to see my GP face to face to get a lump checked out same day after I found it and was seen at the hospital less than month later and scanned and had all clear it was benign.
On topic I was able to see my GP face to face to get a lump checked out same day after I found it and was seen at the hospital less than month later and scanned and had all clear it was benign.
It'll all be so much better when we have the American model of 'Healthcare'.
Only the rich will have it - fitting in Victorian society.
Only the rich will have it - fitting in Victorian society.
Oh I TOTALLY agree with this post I have been healthy all my life but since last November have had severe pains in kidneys and lower back, phoned doctors numerous times, did manage to get a blood test which came back clear but still in chronic pain, now noticed lump developed in lower back, again rang doctor few days ago pleading to be seen face to face or offering to pay for a scan, both denied!!
Over many years and various political admins the NHS has been cut back to a degree whereby it can't react to a minor crisis let alone a pandemic.
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
One side of the same coin, the system has them pitted against each other playing head tennis. It how the game has been devised, those within it know that.
It would be helpful to see an estimated total cost in terms of life years from delayed/missed cancer diagnosis. This could then be compared with the loss of life years caused directly by the virus.
Why? what wrong with doing a self test?
Unless your in the system its difficult to really pass judgement.
Pre Covid 4 Million + awaited surgery
Some forecast that figure could be now 10 Million.
America has no model beyond £££££££ they would love ours.
Pre Covid 4 Million + awaited surgery
Some forecast that figure could be now 10 Million.
America has no model beyond £££££££ they would love ours.
Irony bypasses. Plus tone doesn't always carry in text online.
Consultants want waiting times large as it get people to attend their private practices
Not statistics but I personally know of two people who had cancer treatment withdrawn last March, they were told to 'rest at home' and await calling back for treatment. Both declined fast and died in the summer.
I think in part it would be the worry of covid and going into hospital.
I had an RTA car wrote off, I was banged about a bit, sore neck and back headache on and off for a week, but when asked if I wanted and ambulance I said no, no way did I want to go any where near a hospital, I take immune suppressant drugs so nope, that is why people have been staying clear of hospitals Covid
I had an RTA car wrote off, I was banged about a bit, sore neck and back headache on and off for a week, but when asked if I wanted and ambulance I said no, no way did I want to go any where near a hospital, I take immune suppressant drugs so nope, that is why people have been staying clear of hospitals Covid
Gosh, really ?
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
No surprise when it was drummed into people by the NHS and Government to only attend hospital if you have covid.
Never can get to see a GP as you can’t get past the Guard Dogs on reception
Yes.
Triage by amateurs.
Certain key words trigger the go somewhere else response.
I never got past "fall" before being shunted off to the local Urgent Treatment Centre.
All I wanted were some painkillers for painful ribs.
All the UTC did was give me some Zapain tablets which the surgery could have done.
Triage by amateurs.
Certain key words trigger the go somewhere else response.
I never got past "fall" before being shunted off to the local Urgent Treatment Centre.
All I wanted were some painkillers for painful ribs.
All the UTC did was give me some Zapain tablets which the surgery could have done.
Don't know that kind of practice you belong to but if this is accurate then you should change!
It's been impossible to contact my GP or anyone else in the health centre for very nearly a year.
The issue reported here is the tip of a very large iceberg & in the long run lives lost indirectly through the panicked over-reaction to Covid are going to cause far more ill health & premature death than Covid ever could.
The issue reported here is the tip of a very large iceberg & in the long run lives lost indirectly through the panicked over-reaction to Covid are going to cause far more ill health & premature death than Covid ever could.
GP services have been dire, trying to get an appointment to see a doctor (in my surgery) was very frustrating, they even stopped "face to face" sessions. When attempting to request a telephone appointment, the receptionist (medically unqualified) asked so many questions and had a negative attitude, even a simple request to actually speak to the doctor is discouraged.
Are they being paid more to give the vaccine? As due to my condition I was lucky to get called to surgery to get mine all of a sudden it was open even to the pizza delivery guy who stood inside with at least five pizzas and was still there when I came out to go home waiting on the GPS sig. It's been basically closed to all for a year even severely disabled gdaughter. They are at it
my GP surgery has been appalling throughout. Serious eye condition recurred 2x during last 12mths. Telephone 'apptmnt' with GP only to be told to self-refer to eye-hospital - they even gave me number to call. Of course eye hospital would not take a self-referral confirming that they needed a GP referral. Upsettng to know it is due to recur again within the next 2 months ....
My eye condition means I,m seen every 6 mnths. My last one the doc said the next one due was more urgent as he had seen something. That was DUE last March!!!
I,m more likely to be dead than seen for that appointment.
I,m more likely to be dead than seen for that appointment.
Oh I TOTALLY agree with this post I have been healthy all my life but since last November have had severe pains in kidneys and lower back, phoned doctors numerous times, did manage to get a blood test which came back clear but still in chronic pain, now noticed lump developed in lower back, again rang doctor few days ago pleading to be seen face to face or offering to pay for a scan, both denied!!
Oh I TOTALLY agree with this post I have been healthy all my life but since last November have had severe pains in kidneys and lower back, phoned doctors numerous times, did manage to get a blood test which came back clear but still in chronic pain, now noticed lump developed in lower back, again rang doctor few days ago pleading to be seen face to face or offering to pay for a scan, both denied!!
A perfect example of the consequences of prioritising Covid deaths above all others. It will take years, if ever, for the finally tally to become known, but I suspect for every Covid death we may have prevented by locking down, we caused another one by not diagnosing or treating other conditions. When the dust settles & history is written, it'll all be seen as a hysterical over-reaction
I had to change GP. My old one did everything they possibly could to avoid seeing any patients at all. My new one is excellent, never a problem getting a quick appointment. It is easy to change GP, if enough of us did it the rubbish ones would soon have to pull their socks up.
my GP surgery has been appalling throughout. Serious eye condition recurred 2x during last 12mths. Telephone 'apptmnt' with GP only to be told to self-refer to eye-hospital - they even gave me number to call. Of course eye hospital would not take a self-referral confirming that they needed a GP referral. Upsettng to know it is due to recur again within the next 2 months ....
Yeah BBC’, just this massive issue somewhere near the bottom for a bit.
You’re culpable in all this. Ran with dogma and never questioned.
You’re culpable in all this. Ran with dogma and never questioned.
> might have left the public might thinking "cancer can wait".
There is no "might" about it. I have a family member who WAS told that they would have to wait because "screening services were shut down" and they would have to wait until COVID has passed. That was during the first lockdown. They have since being diagnosed WITH cancer and is undergoing treatment
There is no "might" about it. I have a family member who WAS told that they would have to wait because "screening services were shut down" and they would have to wait until COVID has passed. That was during the first lockdown. They have since being diagnosed WITH cancer and is undergoing treatment
My cardio nurse was redeployed. So that's it.
I began trying to get an appointment for a prostate scan and blood test 1st week in January. I have called the clinic dozens of times and not once have I even managed to speak to a person. Until this morning when receptionist answered to tell me they are c!osed today.
Surgeries adopted a policy of no face to face appointments to avoid the doctorcatching covid. Went for my jab last week (saturday morning) guess who was there giving them (on overtime extra payments); - the doctor plus another family member inputting the data on the computer!
GPs have become money grabbing with a view to make as much as possible. I know of many who have left to come back as locums
GPs have become money grabbing with a view to make as much as possible. I know of many who have left to come back as locums
The sad fact is that GPs and the NHS have lost their way.
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
They say the NHS is open but let’s face it. It isn’t. It hasn’t been since last March. The coming catastrophe’s blame lies solely with Johnson.
Sorry to be political. Tory lemmings are taken in by the rhetoric & self praising. The reason why the vaccination program is going so well is that it is being managed by the real NHS as opposed to private enterprise, a predatory outsourcing company, one of the Tory Party's mates or Cummings' involvement. A plane a day came into Heathrow each day during our first lockdown from Wuhan with no checks.
Really? Here in Wales and also in Scotland, Public Health and the NHS are fully devoved. Check the Welsh Labour Governments own web site and you will find that we have far longer waiting lists than in England.
Gosh, really ?
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
In defence of our GP. I came across a serious illness in December and they haven fallen over backwards to see me. I may have been lucky , but on that issue they havent failed me. The hospitals have failed on another issue with me , I simply think they are just looking at priority.
Cancer though , should be in that priority.
Cancer though , should be in that priority.
Covid or no Covid, it would be extremely foolish to ignore any of the symptoms described in the first paragraph. But there will be more cancers (as well as other conditions) not being spotted early because most people have been avoiding visiting their dentist or optician for regular check-ups or eye tests due the pandemic.
I think this pandemic has shone a light on how much we need GPs and the public use them; too often people who really need to see someone can't because of time wasters or by people who could wait. But all these waiting times and delays do is put the genuinely ill off getting in contact.
With no face to face GP sessions available I struggle to see how the receptionist at my local practice could effectively diagnose a lump as needing further assessment via a phone call? Why should I be discussing personal information with a glorified typist anyway? Perhaps these receptionists are qualified doctors after all... who knows?
Since our surgery changed ,we are online and to fill in e-consult is impossible when you work(45mins on hold). If you are not severely depressed, having a heart attack or stroke then ring 111. Heaven forbid you want to ask two questions. GPS knew who you were and you knew them. When asked now I reply I have no idea.
I actually like my GP and I am Fifty seven and on the whole do not like doctors (no need to go into reasons but our local GP was closed or gates locked at the beginning of covid for two months we only found out when my daughter was going to take my granddaughter severely disabled and out of school ( S needs) for a new mobility problem we were told no so God help anyone with cancer signs fort Knox!
From people I've talked to, the problem appears to have been less at the hospital level of the NHS and more to do with access to GPs.
So what happens when a doctor finds a lump, inappropriate blood? Can they use their position to gain an unfair advantage to see a consultant?
My local GP surgery is taking e-referrals. I had to complete the form for a medicines review. In the course of completing the form, I asked a question regarding one of my prescribed medications; that question was answered by email, but THE MEDICINES REVIEW WAS NOT CARRIED OUT. I had to complete another e-referral to get that!
Surgeries adopted a policy of no face to face appointments to avoid the doctorcatching covid. Went for my jab last week (saturday morning) guess who was there giving them (on overtime extra payments); - the doctor plus another family member inputting the data on the computer!
GPs have become money grabbing with a view to make as much as possible. I know of many who have left to come back as locums
GPs have become money grabbing with a view to make as much as possible. I know of many who have left to come back as locums
The sad fact is that GPs and the NHS have lost their way.
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
GP surgeries are no longer NHS, they are franchises. Private enterprise hiding behind the NHS logo.
I think this is very area dependent. I needed a referral for my hearing, filled out the online form at my local gp requesting a referral, stating the reasons. Had a call back from the GP in 15 mins and agreed to refer me straight away.
A few weeks later had my hearing checked and processed for hearing aids.
A few weeks later had my hearing checked and processed for hearing aids.
Yeah BBC’, just this massive issue somewhere near the bottom for a bit.
You’re culpable in all this. Ran with dogma and never questioned.
You’re culpable in all this. Ran with dogma and never questioned.
Scare tactics?
Can you imagine how much worse the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease etc would be if hospitals had to turn people away because they were dealing with 10x the number of very sick covid patients?
Like many people it looks like you didn't understand the message protect the NHS.
Can you imagine how much worse the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease etc would be if hospitals had to turn people away because they were dealing with 10x the number of very sick covid patients?
Like many people it looks like you didn't understand the message protect the NHS.
Since our surgery changed ,we are online and to fill in e-consult is impossible when you work(45mins on hold). If you are not severely depressed, having a heart attack or stroke then ring 111. Heaven forbid you want to ask two questions. GPS knew who you were and you knew them. When asked now I reply I have no idea.
I actually like my GP and I am Fifty seven and on the whole do not like doctors (no need to go into reasons but our local GP was closed or gates locked at the beginning of covid for two months we only found out when my daughter was going to take my granddaughter severely disabled and out of school ( S needs) for a new mobility problem we were told no so God help anyone with cancer signs fort Knox!
Agreed.
They, government and NHS did a really good job in telling people to protect the NHS by avoiding visits to A&E and GPs.
My GP surgery now closed for nearly a year.
Even now, while you sit on telephone hold, the same message is "we are extremely busy", every day, every hour.
Pretty much given up
They, government and NHS did a really good job in telling people to protect the NHS by avoiding visits to A&E and GPs.
My GP surgery now closed for nearly a year.
Even now, while you sit on telephone hold, the same message is "we are extremely busy", every day, every hour.
Pretty much given up
GP services have been dire, trying to get an appointment to see a doctor (in my surgery) was very frustrating, they even stopped "face to face" sessions. When attempting to request a telephone appointment, the receptionist (medically unqualified) asked so many questions and had a negative attitude, even a simple request to actually speak to the doctor is discouraged.
Are they being paid more to give the vaccine? As due to my condition I was lucky to get called to surgery to get mine all of a sudden it was open even to the pizza delivery guy who stood inside with at least five pizzas and was still there when I came out to go home waiting on the GPS sig. It's been basically closed to all for a year even severely disabled gdaughter. They are at it
Our GP Service has been superb but my wife has not seen her oncologist for 16 months spoke to his nurse specialist twice, thankfully St David's nurse specialist has visited 4 times and been able to get our GP service to action necessary pain medication changes, blood tests and infection medication.
Same with us. No problems whatsoever.
As someone else wrote, this isn't happening everywhere. My Dad has been given prompt service and quick referrals for a number of issues over the last year. His cancer-related checks (PSA) have been done as per the usual schedule. My partner got a rapid face-to-face with his GP for a suspected hernia. He had an ultrasound confirmation of diagnosis three weeks after.
Scare tactics?
Can you imagine how much worse the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease etc would be if hospitals had to turn people away because they were dealing with 10x the number of very sick covid patients?
Like many people it looks like you didn't understand the message protect the NHS.
Can you imagine how much worse the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, heart disease etc would be if hospitals had to turn people away because they were dealing with 10x the number of very sick covid patients?
Like many people it looks like you didn't understand the message protect the NHS.
Sorry to be political. Tory lemmings are taken in by the rhetoric & self praising. The reason why the vaccination program is going so well is that it is being managed by the real NHS as opposed to private enterprise, a predatory outsourcing company, one of the Tory Party's mates or Cummings' involvement. A plane a day came into Heathrow each day during our first lockdown from Wuhan with no checks.
Actually it would be better if you checked a few facts. The NHS (which is a fully devolved area) in Wales, is being supported by the armed services and in the GP practise that I use, the vaccination unit is staffed mainly by volunteers. I suspect the same is happening in England and Scotland
The sad fact is that GPs and the NHS have lost their way.
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
I haven't been registered with a practice for a number of years. I had to register with a surgery (note that I don't say GP) in order to book an appointment for a vaccination. 17 page paper application. Nothing to say I am registered. 30 minute call wait time - wrong address and phone number entered. Sent email to update but no response!
> might have left the public might thinking "cancer can wait".
There is no "might" about it. I have a family member who WAS told that they would have to wait because "screening services were shut down" and they would have to wait until COVID has passed. That was during the first lockdown. They have since being diagnosed WITH cancer and is undergoing treatment
There is no "might" about it. I have a family member who WAS told that they would have to wait because "screening services were shut down" and they would have to wait until COVID has passed. That was during the first lockdown. They have since being diagnosed WITH cancer and is undergoing treatment
They told us again and again: "stay at home protect the NHS". Again and again we hear NHS staff are tired,demoralised and ill prepared to cope with fresh waves of Covid. We are also told that specialist departments have been redeployed from Acute medicine to fight Covid. We hear many hospital processes are discontinued. If 'mechanics' are not available to fix a problem why risk going there?
Over many years and various political admins the NHS has been cut back to a degree whereby it can't react to a minor crisis let alone a pandemic.
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
Whoever is in power needs to massively investment in manpower, to not just deal with covid, but the inevitable backlog in treatments.
It's too simplistic to say the NHS has only dealt with Covid.
What else were they meant to do?
Do you mean that the country should have dozens if not hundreds of redundant hospital facilities in case of epidemics/pandemics? The UK didn’t even have an adequate stockpile of PPE let alone trained staff and buildings on standby. The conditions that necessitated isolation hospitals no longer prevail and it would be an enormous waste of money to reinstate them.
Sorry to be political. Tory lemmings are taken in by the rhetoric & self praising. The reason why the vaccination program is going so well is that it is being managed by the real NHS as opposed to private enterprise, a predatory outsourcing company, one of the Tory Party's mates or Cummings' involvement. A plane a day came into Heathrow each day during our first lockdown from Wuhan with no checks.
My cardio nurse was redeployed. So that's it.
During the first lockdown last year my friend found a lump in her breast and immediately contacted doctor, was seen and had at Op 4 weeks later. She now has the all clear. Anti lockdowers sometimes use the argument that lockdown will cause more harm because folk wont get help for problems other than covid, but help was always there it is down to the individual to seek it.
I've been waiting over 5 years for elective surgery.
I tried to do private but the NHS blocked it. Face facts those who run medicine are/have become a very dangerous cabal and need substantive reform.
The 'clowns' chose to block my private care in case I chose to go to the NHS later. They are very dangerous to your and my health. I expect they want to make sure I die before I get care.
I tried to do private but the NHS blocked it. Face facts those who run medicine are/have become a very dangerous cabal and need substantive reform.
The 'clowns' chose to block my private care in case I chose to go to the NHS later. They are very dangerous to your and my health. I expect they want to make sure I die before I get care.
Over 5 years! that sounds terrible!
Despite the tory actions, we are in a pandemic.
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
I've been waiting over 5 years for elective surgery.
I tried to do private but the NHS blocked it. Face facts those who run medicine are/have become a very dangerous cabal and need substantive reform.
The 'clowns' chose to block my private care in case I chose to go to the NHS later. They are very dangerous to your and my health. I expect they want to make sure I die before I get care.
I tried to do private but the NHS blocked it. Face facts those who run medicine are/have become a very dangerous cabal and need substantive reform.
The 'clowns' chose to block my private care in case I chose to go to the NHS later. They are very dangerous to your and my health. I expect they want to make sure I die before I get care.
Gosh, really ?
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
Petition to stop hancock's selling of our Healthcare:
https://weownit.org.uk/act-now/stop-matt-hancocks-private-takeover-nhs?fbclid=IwAR3H4ztQwXES_blaon2qz9RVQPTS0kdnGp9K5sJ5-EMz3R_9h3gHN1dYwVQ
As others have said why is this not on parliamentary petitions. No reason to attack the issue on many fronts.
On topic I was able to see my GP face to face to get a lump checked out same day after I found it and was seen at the hospital less than month later and scanned and had all clear it was benign.
On topic I was able to see my GP face to face to get a lump checked out same day after I found it and was seen at the hospital less than month later and scanned and had all clear it was benign.
Over 5 years! that sounds terrible!