Mrs

[pips_pekins]

Beware - big rant!

 

I teach in a school so you can imagine that during term time I can't just take time out . A few years ago, when I had an operation, my consultant was really brilliant. Knowing I teach, he opened his diary and said, 'When is the last A level paper?' and pencilled me in at the beginning of the holidays. I don't think he did this as a special favour for me, I think this was what happened at that time. For me it made sense. I am the only person teaching my subject so it makes things very difficult for students and my colleagues. This way meant no work time lost, all lessons were covered and I was able to recuperate without the worry and guilt that I might otherwise have experienced.

 

Oh how things have changed. After loads of tests and scans for a condition I first sought medical help with in August, I was put on a waiting list around November last year. As I have to have an op I will require some time off to recover. I explained that I worked in a school and found it difficult to take time out during term time. When I received the appointment it clashed with time needed to prepare for the January exams. I contacted the waiting list clerk and explained the situation. She said I would be sent another appointment date and would note that the summer was better. I duly received another date which is the week before the June exams. I really felt I had no choice but to cancel this appointment too. I would not be happy if my son was left without any support immediately before his A2 exams and simply would not feel right leaving my own students who have spent two hard years working towards this date.

 

Anyway, as a result, my name has been removed from the waiting list and I will have to go back to my GP. I have been told I will probably have to have another scan (how much will this cost?), further tests and be put on a new waiting list. I honestly think this is the most ridiculous waste of time and resources and for what end? Probably to massage stats and data.

 

Rant over and please don't misunderstand this post. Everyone I have dealt with in the NHS has been really great but the system seems so inflexible. How can I justify taking time out during term time when I have 6 weeks holiday in the summer? To make things worse, the last couple of days the symptoms have been quite severe so now am a bit worried about what will happen next.

Edited April 28, 2012 by Guest

[Alis girls]

I feel for you as I see it all the time. Some people go the extra mile in the NHS but sadly are hindered by others and red tape. As a consultant he should have final say. Speak to your GP - I wouldnt think you would have to have all tests again. I always try and fit people in when they can come to see me (Practice Nurse) otherwise they wont turn up - appt wasted. It is soo stupid - hope you get it sorted - i wouldnt want my kids teachers going off at exam time unless it was an emergency - however not all teachers are accomodating like yourself. Hope you get it sorted. Ali x

[The Dogmother]

I'm sorry to hear that - what a real pain.

 

When I had an op a few years ago, after an initial misunderstanding (what is ambiguous about 'no operation in June'? ) they were fantastic and put me on the short notice list so that i got a slot a couple of weeks later.

[Seagazer]

How annoying for you. Can you not contact the consultant and explain what has happened and about your job? It seems such a waste of time to have to go back through the system again.

 

I hope you manage to get it sorted out and have the op after the school year (as long as you don't wait too long re pain).

[Space Chick]

Gosh, our health board take things like that into consideration. My friends sister needs a complex treatment where she will need support afterwards.... They have scheduled it for a few days before the school summer holiday as her husband is a teacher, so will be around to support her when she comes home from hospital.

 

Sorry you've had such a bad experience

[Snowy]

I agree, I think you've had a bad experience there I found them great when I needed an op - once you are at the top of the list it doesn't really matter if you ask to be delayed as they just move someone else up. If you just hadn't turned up I could understand them putting you back to the bottom, but this is just somebody being a jobsworth I'm sure

[Plum]

Services are compared and valued on the time people are kept waiting for treatment under the 'stop the clock' guidelines for referral to treatment. If you decline/delay a treatment then you are taken off the recorded treatment times and they are not penalised.

I have never heard anything so crazy as making you go back to the beginning of the list, write to your PALS (patient and liaison service).

[Scary Mary]

Pip, it is worth trying to talk to your consultant and/or his secretary, either you or your GP.

 

I had a problem like this, I has pleaded with the consultant to be allowed to do my very last OU exam before my cancer surgery which he said needed to be done in 2 -3 weeks - so I had asked for the surgery to be in the last week of this time frame. Unfortunately a secretary misunderstand this and sceduled my operation to a much later date.

 

My wonderful doctor contacted the consultant immediately and my operation took place a week later than we had expected but over a month sooner than the date the secretary scheduled for me!

 

Imformation gets passed from one person to another and bits do get forgotten so it is worth phoning all and sundry, and not just the waiting list clerks.

[scubababe]

Persevere. I applaud your dedication however is your health not more important? You don't say what the problem is but you have said that your symptoms are getting worse The summer holidays are still 3 months away!

 

Please take care of yourself. I'm guilty of putting my job/families before me but have actually taken the step to close my business for the week to have a holiday. My 1st holiday in over 2 years and the first time in 7 years I've had to close my business. My parents have fully understood and have made alternative arrangements

 

Surely the school can get someone in to cover and the students wouldn't be left high & dry

[pips_pekins]

Thank you for all your responses and advice. Very interesting to see what happens in other parts of the country.

 

Anyway, I went back to the waiting list clerk and very calmly explained my dilemma. She has been great and although she was not able to do anything herself she referred the matter to someone further up. Yesterday I was offered an appointment at the end of term . My only concern now is that I have been told I will need at least 2 weeks to recover and we are due to go away 10 days after the op. Fingers crossed as our insurance won't cover this.

[pips_pekins]

I'm guilty of putting my job/families before me but have actually taken the step to close my business for the week to have a holiday. My 1st holiday in over 2 years and the first time in 7 years I've had to close my business. My parents have fully understood and have made alternative arrangements

 

 

My ex was self-employed and we managed only 4 holidays/breaks in 15 years (including 2 nights away for our honeymoon!). Hope you have a lovely break; sounds like you really need and deserve it.

[scubababe]

Thank you for all your responses and advice. Very interesting to see what happens in other parts of the country.

 

Anyway, I went back to the waiting list clerk and very calmly explained my dilemma. She has been great and although she was not able to do anything herself she referred the matter to someone further up. Yesterday I was offered an appointment at the end of term . My only concern now is that I have been told I will need at least 2 weeks to recover and we are due to go away 10 days after the op. Fingers crossed as our insurance won't cover this.

 

Really glad that you managed to get another appointment. Can your trip be delayed for a week? Just to give you a bit more time to recover

[pips_pekins]

Really glad that you managed to get another appointment. Can your trip be delayed for a week? Just to give you a bit more time to recover

 

Unfortunately not but I think I should be ok. After the last op, which was bigger than this, I went away earlier than originally said as the consultant was happy with my progress so I am feeling fairly positive about it. I think being away will do me good as well as once there I will be able to completely switch off and do nothing

[scubababe]

Really glad that you managed to get another appointment. Can your trip be delayed for a week? Just to give you a bit more time to recover

 

Unfortunately not but I think I should be ok. After the last op, which was bigger than this, I went away earlier than originally said as the consultant was happy with my progress so I am feeling fairly positive about it. I think being away will do me good as well as once there I will be able to completely switch off and do nothing

 

 

Must admit that was my other thought process that once you are away you will be able to relax more. I hope your recovery is speedy. You know what's involved so you are the best judge

 

good luck ((hugs))