Vocal Voices

I got a phone call at 12:17 today: Could I get to Chapel Allerton Hospital (about five miles away) by 1pm for an MRI scan?

So I bust a gut to get there and have to fill in a questionnaire and sign and date it. The questions are exactly the same as the ones I was asked by Prof. M last Wednesday, but they were only on his computer screen.

About half-an-hour later I am taken in to have my head x-rayed because of my eye injury. A bit later I am taken in for more head x-rays, just to be sure.

Next thing is that I am invited in to MRI Consultant Mr S's room where he informs me that there is still a trace of the metal which caused the eye injury and because of that he will not MRI me but is going to suggest to Prof. M that I be CAT scanned - wait time about six weeks!

So, an hour and a half wasted on a known problem that is in my files; and one which I flagged up when an MRI was originally mentioned because I have been refused one for another injury.

I might as well not exist. I am giving these people information about ME and they are NOT listening to a word I say!

That is so very very - can't say how I feel on her, Kaz would ban me - annoying for you WM.

And I'm also angry on your behalf

Could you not have a word with Prof M? - that's a long time to wait.

That's really not on WM, I'd be inclined to flag this up with PALS to see if they can get an earlier appointment for you.

I had the complete run around waiting to get seen for my cataracts, but as soon as I said I would be speaking to PALS I was seen immediately.

That is absolutely appalling Frank, just not fair at all

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I'm not even sure what to say at this point Frank - I cannot even begin to understand how just incredibly frustrated and angry you must be at this point

As a matter of interest, could you contact your insurance company and see if they can get payout from the other insurance so you could do this all privately and not via the NHS?

((((((hug)))))))

Jen, I only got today's appointment because I went through PALS. I have now been on again and a Lady Linda from the hospital is going to pass a complaint up the line for me and they HAVE to respond within two working days with a way forward and a resolution to the wrist problem.

Ria, it's a Catch-22. My insurance has put the case on hold until I am fully discharged by the NHS. I am assuming that the only way to break the cycle is for me to discharge myself, but I am not sure how things would then pan out.

It's just a flippin' farce, isn't it?

I was going to suggest PALS too. Hope they can help again

Linda, who called from PALS, listened very carefully and took detailed notes, which she then read back to me for any amendments. She has elected herself as my case worker and I have her office phone number and e-mail address. She sounded to be on the ball, so fingers crossed.

I hope she can sort this out for you Frank, fingers crossed XX