Comments on: Singing the praises of NHS Direct http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html {Sleepless in Suburbia} Mon, 06 Sep 2010 14:21:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Dan http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1440 Dan Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:12:05 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1440 Evan has been admitted to hosptial over ten times for breathing stuff, three of those times he had to stay in for more than one night. to be fair we sort of know what to do now and at what point we need to go to A&E.<br /><br />To be fair they were quite useful when i rang them complaining of flu symptoms (in that they toldme to stay off work. Hurrah!) Evan has been admitted to hosptial over ten times for breathing stuff, three of those times he had to stay in for more than one night. to be fair we sort of know what to do now and at what point we need to go to A&E.

To be fair they were quite useful when i rang them complaining of flu symptoms (in that they toldme to stay off work. Hurrah!)

]]> By: Victoria http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1413 Victoria Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:43:50 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1413 I've always had good experiences too, with out of hours appts being made or advising us to visit A&E (correctly as it turned out). Our GP's is usually really good too. If you want an urgent appt, a nurse calls you back to triage you, and I've always got an appt within a couple of hours when I've been worried. Glad you're all better and loving your Christmassy spots! I've always had good experiences too, with out of hours appts being made or advising us to visit A&E (correctly as it turned out). Our GP's is usually really good too. If you want an urgent appt, a nurse calls you back to triage you, and I've always got an appt within a couple of hours when I've been worried. Glad you're all better and loving your Christmassy spots!

]]> By: chompermom http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1412 chompermom Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:35:01 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1412 One thing (and there weren't many) that I was impressed with in Germany is that the doctors will still come do a housecall, especially if it's after hours. It seems to be the norm (they do charge a bit extra, but at least they do it!) I remember my (American) mother talking about doctors making housecalls in the middle of the night to deliver babies and care for sick kids. It seems it was all so much more personal back then.<br /><br />I'm traveling, but even when we were still in the States, we didn't have a "regular doctor". The one we started out with ended up being a over-scheduled ass who couldn't remember my son's name or what we saw him for. After Kindergarten shots, we rarely had to go to the doctor, and I kind of panicked if we did. I didn't know who to call. <br /><br />I can't believe that your doctor would talk to you like that. And a woman! I would definitely complain. It's shameful. One thing (and there weren't many) that I was impressed with in Germany is that the doctors will still come do a housecall, especially if it's after hours. It seems to be the norm (they do charge a bit extra, but at least they do it!) I remember my (American) mother talking about doctors making housecalls in the middle of the night to deliver babies and care for sick kids. It seems it was all so much more personal back then.

I'm traveling, but even when we were still in the States, we didn't have a "regular doctor". The one we started out with ended up being a over-scheduled ass who couldn't remember my son's name or what we saw him for. After Kindergarten shots, we rarely had to go to the doctor, and I kind of panicked if we did. I didn't know who to call.

I can't believe that your doctor would talk to you like that. And a woman! I would definitely complain. It's shameful.

]]> By: A Modern Mother http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1411 A Modern Mother Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:59:02 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1411 That's awful (GP). I have become a big fan of the NHS. There's a big debate going on in the US at the moment about government-run medicine. I wish they would look at all the success stories! That's awful (GP). I have become a big fan of the NHS. There's a big debate going on in the US at the moment about government-run medicine. I wish they would look at all the success stories!

]]> By: Insomniac Mummy http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1410 Insomniac Mummy Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:17:55 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1410 Thanks for all the comments and shared experiences.<br /><br />Hayley - Thanks for thw well wishes, we are all much better now x<br /><br />Dan - I suspect for every good experience there is also a not so good. The red tape to get a call back can be annoying sometimes but we got there in the end. And yes, breathing problems are very scary. I hope you have a better experience if you use them again.<br /><br />MSG, The Mad house & Liz VP - Bit reluctant to complain to GP as I've been registered my whole life and we do have a 'family' doctor at the surgery who knows us well. <br /><br />Laura & World of & Jordan - Thanks and glad you have had good experiences too x<br /><br />DJ Kirkby - NHS Direct tweeted to say they had read the post :)<br /><br />HCM - 'Twas scary indded but everyone is on the mend. Glad you like the decor :D.<br /><br />MrsHarvey - Thank you my lovely x<br /><br />MWA - I can't imagine a world wothout access to NHS etc, it would be scary and makes me thankful for what we have here in the UK :) x<br /><br />Rosie - Waffle away :) So much is de-personalised these days. We still have a GP at the surgery who know our whole family. He's recently sold his stake in the practice and is retiring soon :(<br /><br />Kellogsville - Agreed, life without the NHS is a scary thought.<br /><br />Bumblingalong - Glad you got sorted too. It seems so many have the same problem of not being able to even get a GP appointment when they actually need it until after the fact.<br /><br />Emily & Sandy - Glad you've had good experiences where the kids are concerned. With regard to the GP, it's odd as she's usually lovely but I must have caught her on a bad day. That's why I was totally blind sided when she basically just fobbed me off without even asking about Little E.<br /><br />Thanks agaon for all the well wishes and comments everyone.<br /><br />:) Thanks for all the comments and shared experiences.

Hayley – Thanks for thw well wishes, we are all much better now x

Dan – I suspect for every good experience there is also a not so good. The red tape to get a call back can be annoying sometimes but we got there in the end. And yes, breathing problems are very scary. I hope you have a better experience if you use them again.

MSG, The Mad house & Liz VP – Bit reluctant to complain to GP as I've been registered my whole life and we do have a 'family' doctor at the surgery who knows us well.

Laura & World of & Jordan – Thanks and glad you have had good experiences too x

DJ Kirkby – NHS Direct tweeted to say they had read the post :)

HCM – 'Twas scary indded but everyone is on the mend. Glad you like the decor :D .

MrsHarvey – Thank you my lovely x

MWA – I can't imagine a world wothout access to NHS etc, it would be scary and makes me thankful for what we have here in the UK :) x

Rosie – Waffle away :) So much is de-personalised these days. We still have a GP at the surgery who know our whole family. He's recently sold his stake in the practice and is retiring soon :(

Kellogsville – Agreed, life without the NHS is a scary thought.

Bumblingalong – Glad you got sorted too. It seems so many have the same problem of not being able to even get a GP appointment when they actually need it until after the fact.

Emily & Sandy – Glad you've had good experiences where the kids are concerned. With regard to the GP, it's odd as she's usually lovely but I must have caught her on a bad day. That's why I was totally blind sided when she basically just fobbed me off without even asking about Little E.

Thanks agaon for all the well wishes and comments everyone.

:)

]]> By: april http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1409 april Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:02:00 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1409 Wow - am in tears - that must have been terrifying - am so lucky in australia to have the option of take your child to emergency, call nurse direct (who are very good) or call a locum (some of whom are good)- doctors NEVER do house calls anymore :( not near us that i have found anyway- we have had some horror experiences, but the one you had is the kind that I want to have with my kids every time - so glad your bubs are getting better, poor honey *hugs* must have been terrifying. Wow – am in tears – that must have been terrifying – am so lucky in australia to have the option of take your child to emergency, call nurse direct (who are very good) or call a locum (some of whom are good)- doctors NEVER do house calls anymore :( not near us that i have found anyway- we have had some horror experiences, but the one you had is the kind that I want to have with my kids every time – so glad your bubs are getting better, poor honey *hugs* must have been terrifying.

]]> By: Sandy Calico http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1408 Sandy Calico Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:51:10 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1408 I rang NHS Direct last week when Cash couldn't keep water down. A nurse rang me back within minutes and was extremely helpful.<br />I'm glad your little ones are on the mend now.<br />I agree with the others, you should complain about your GP - how rude. It's not your fault that the receptionist put you through. There should be clearer guidance on what GPs will or won't do. I rang NHS Direct last week when Cash couldn't keep water down. A nurse rang me back within minutes and was extremely helpful.
I'm glad your little ones are on the mend now.
I agree with the others, you should complain about your GP – how rude. It's not your fault that the receptionist put you through. There should be clearer guidance on what GPs will or won't do.

]]> By: Emily O http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1407 Emily O Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:24:23 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1407 Terrible for your GP to deal with you like that, I remember our 'family doctor' when we were growing up. We had him for years and he knew us all well. That's all changed now and GPs just seem so overworked and jaded, I'd definitely complain about your GP.<br /><br />I've found NHS Direct brilliant where the children are concerned, less good when it's concerned me. But that's the best way round!<br /><br />What a week for you though, hope you're all finally getting out of the woods. Terrible for your GP to deal with you like that, I remember our 'family doctor' when we were growing up. We had him for years and he knew us all well. That's all changed now and GPs just seem so overworked and jaded, I'd definitely complain about your GP.

I've found NHS Direct brilliant where the children are concerned, less good when it's concerned me. But that's the best way round!

What a week for you though, hope you're all finally getting out of the woods.

]]> By: bumblingalong http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1406 bumblingalong Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:23:50 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1406 I hope everyone is well on the mend now. Asthma in kids is scary, and chest infections suck.<br /><br />I only have good things to say about NHS direct and our local out of hours service too. We had to use them a couple of months ago when Moo had a fever for over a week which just wouldn't come down. NHS direct arranged for appointments with the out of hours clinic, who saw us within minutes of us arriving (not even giving Hubbie the chance to run to the car to pick up the (forgotten) nappy bag).<br /><br />But don't even get me started on our local GP surgery... Guess it's OK if you know you're going to be ill a week in advance, at 8.45 am... I hope everyone is well on the mend now. Asthma in kids is scary, and chest infections suck.

I only have good things to say about NHS direct and our local out of hours service too. We had to use them a couple of months ago when Moo had a fever for over a week which just wouldn't come down. NHS direct arranged for appointments with the out of hours clinic, who saw us within minutes of us arriving (not even giving Hubbie the chance to run to the car to pick up the (forgotten) nappy bag).

But don't even get me started on our local GP surgery… Guess it's OK if you know you're going to be ill a week in advance, at 8.45 am…

]]> By: Kelloggsville http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1404 Kelloggsville Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:57:29 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1404 That was just awful, I had my hand clamped over my mouth whilst reading it, I am so glad you are all on th emend now - blimey what a to do. Aren't we so lucky to have the NHS? it regularly manages to not serve us all so well at times but all the same imagine those few days without any NHS at all - doesn't bear thinking about. That was just awful, I had my hand clamped over my mouth whilst reading it, I am so glad you are all on th emend now – blimey what a to do. Aren't we so lucky to have the NHS? it regularly manages to not serve us all so well at times but all the same imagine those few days without any NHS at all – doesn't bear thinking about.

]]> By: rosiescribble http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1403 rosiescribble Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:20:30 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1403 Oh how awful for all of you. NHS Direct has helped us too. It is practically impossible to get seen by a doctor at out local surgery and in no cases no they visit. Shame really. It was much better when I was younger and they did. Doctors were like family members in those days and people you could rely on in a crisis. At least you can oick up the phone for advice these days. I'm waffling now! Oh how awful for all of you. NHS Direct has helped us too. It is practically impossible to get seen by a doctor at out local surgery and in no cases no they visit. Shame really. It was much better when I was younger and they did. Doctors were like family members in those days and people you could rely on in a crisis. At least you can oick up the phone for advice these days. I'm waffling now!

]]> By: Mwa http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1402 Mwa Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:08:58 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1402 It's so good to hear the children are on the mend. I'm very grateful for our good access to medical facilities, too. It would be too scary to have to do without. It's so good to hear the children are on the mend. I'm very grateful for our good access to medical facilities, too. It would be too scary to have to do without.

]]> By: mrsharvey http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1401 mrsharvey Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:26:51 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1401 I've always had good experiences with NHS direct too, glad Big E and Little E are on the mend xxx I've always had good experiences with NHS direct too, glad Big E and Little E are on the mend xxx

]]> By: Hot Cross Mum http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1400 Hot Cross Mum Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:05:07 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1400 Jeez - you poor things. That sounds terrifying. What a ridiculous response from the doctor - can you officially complain? Great to hear everyone on the mend. Love the festive decor by the way :) Jeez – you poor things. That sounds terrifying. What a ridiculous response from the doctor – can you officially complain? Great to hear everyone on the mend. Love the festive decor by the way :)

]]> By: DJ Kirkby http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1399 DJ Kirkby Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:43:12 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1399 Aww poor kids and poor you and hubby! Hurrah for NHS Direct. You should email this post to them. So glad all ended well. Aww poor kids and poor you and hubby! Hurrah for NHS Direct. You should email this post to them. So glad all ended well.

]]> By: Jordan http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1398 Jordan Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:41:23 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1398 What a (kind of) lovely post - restores your faith that there are good people about. <br /><br />We have only had good experiences with NHS direct also - i think they are wonderful & i am glad that you have too - especially in the situation you were in.<br />I think the fact they offered you transport too is super good!<br /><br />Definitely think about writing to your PCT though - thats awful how you were treated by the doctor.<br /><br />Hope everyone gets 100% well ASAP. What a (kind of) lovely post – restores your faith that there are good people about.

We have only had good experiences with NHS direct also – i think they are wonderful & i am glad that you have too – especially in the situation you were in.
I think the fact they offered you transport too is super good!

Definitely think about writing to your PCT though – thats awful how you were treated by the doctor.

Hope everyone gets 100% well ASAP.

]]> By: worldofamummy http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1397 worldofamummy Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:11:04 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1397 I'm glad that everyone is getting better now. I've always found NHS Direct to be excellent with the kids. I called them once sobbing when DH cut newborn Ben's finger instead of fingernail, and they were great. I'm glad that everyone is getting better now. I've always found NHS Direct to be excellent with the kids. I called them once sobbing when DH cut newborn Ben's finger instead of fingernail, and they were great.

]]> By: Laura - Are We Nearly There Yet Mummy? http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1396 Laura - Are We Nearly There Yet Mummy? Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:44:24 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1396 We've had mainl;y good experiences of NHS Direct.<br /><br />Really glad everyone's starting to feel better. We've had mainl;y good experiences of NHS Direct.

Really glad everyone's starting to feel better.

]]> By: Liz@Violet Posy http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1395 Liz@Violet Posy Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:43:27 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1395 You should complain to the PCT about your Dr, that's terrible, and then they wonder why people call ambulances. I'm so pleased NHS Direct were so good, and sorted it out. Hope they're both on the mend soon x You should complain to the PCT about your Dr, that's terrible, and then they wonder why people call ambulances. I'm so pleased NHS Direct were so good, and sorted it out. Hope they're both on the mend soon x

]]> By: TheMadHouse http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1394 TheMadHouse Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:54:36 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1394 I agree you received excellent service from NHS direct. I would be writing a letter of complaint to your doctors though I agree you received excellent service from NHS direct. I would be writing a letter of complaint to your doctors though

]]> By: Mum's Survival Guide http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1393 Mum's Survival Guide Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:34:30 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1393 Glad she's on the mend. Disgusting behaviour by your GP surgery. Glad she's on the mend. Disgusting behaviour by your GP surgery.

]]> By: Dan http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1392 Dan Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:20:31 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1392 I've never been particualrly impressed by NHS direct, they have generally taken 20 minutes to ring back only to say "go to A&E", so now we just go to A&E.<br /><br />Plus, why can't they get a nurse to actually pick up the phone rather than someone to say "we'll ring you back in 10 minutes".<br /><br />I'm glad they worked for you though. Breathing problems are very scary indeed. I've never been particualrly impressed by NHS direct, they have generally taken 20 minutes to ring back only to say "go to A&E", so now we just go to A&E.

Plus, why can't they get a nurse to actually pick up the phone rather than someone to say "we'll ring you back in 10 minutes".

I'm glad they worked for you though. Breathing problems are very scary indeed.

]]> By: Hayley http://www.insomniacmummy.com/2009/12/singing-praises-of-nhs-direct.html/comment-page-1#comment-1391 Hayley Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:25:46 +0000 http://www.insomniacmummy.com/?p=146#comment-1391 I'm so glad NHS direct worked well for you! I've never had to use them before but our Doctors surgery is as useless by the sounds of it, we normally end up at childrens A+E. Glad they are both on the mend now! Hope your recovering too! I'm so glad NHS direct worked well for you! I've never had to use them before but our Doctors surgery is as useless by the sounds of it, we normally end up at childrens A+E. Glad they are both on the mend now! Hope your recovering too!

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