GP information for borough OT/Care Act services

katwater51

Hi everyone, does anyone know how I can explain to my GP practice and GP that they can contact and inform the Borough occupational therapy/care act/disabled adult services for me.

My GP rang and left a voicemail saying he doesn’t know how to do it.

I’ve just been called by a physicians assistant who says she doesn’t know what it’s about.

Please can anyone help me with a language or terminology I need to explain this to them?

How I learned that I could get some services and aids from the Borough was as a result of an assessment for a disabled users travel pass.

During that assessment, because we were discussing my difficulties with bathing, the assessor, who was an occupational therapist, told me that I could ask for equipment, such as a bath seat/shower, seat, grippy handles, and a stool to make bathing safer.

I’ve tried self referring myself to the borough’s “aging well” Team (although I’m only 44 so I’m not sure that this is the right team for me, but they haven’t denied the request.)

They replied and put me on a waiting list and said; “please can you have your GP send us your medical summary”

But the GP practice is telling me they don’t know how to do it or anything about it. 

I’ve tried googling but the language and jargon varies so much from Borough to Borough - I can’t find the correct relevant policies for my area to show the GP and his staff. 

Can anyone point me in the direction of how I can explain this to the administrators and staff and GPs at the practice. Any help gratefully received, I’m in a lot of pain and exhausted already. 

Thanks in advance! Kat. 

Richard_Scope

Hi @katwater51
If I'm reading your post correctly, the OT that you spoke with seems to have carried out a needs assessment and has recommended certain pieces of equipment. The OT should have made the application for the equipment on your behalf to your local adult social care team. Because of your age, you would fall under adult social care provision.

katwater51

hi @Richard_Scope thanks for your reply, no that’s not it.

Occ health have me on their waiting list. They asked me to have my GP send them my medical summery.

3/4 different people at the GP practice (including I think an actual GP) said no. They kept saying : “You get Occ Health to contact us.” I asked Occ Health and they said no - said they wouldn’t do that. 

Eventually on my 5th (5th!) try a GP agreed to send it. I’m already exhausted from medical conditions and this situation has been more exhausting, and exasperating and daft. I don’t know why accessing services has to be made so difficult. Gatekeeping I guess, I don’t know.

Breacon

Hi Katwater,

How frustrating for you, another hurdle to jump over, I'm not sure if this will hinder or help you at all, 
My GP made a referral to OH for me to get some equipment, which was great.

I understand that your council, may be able to help, with equipment etc, I think you have to apply, & I believe you can get a grant.

I know you are young, but I often use Age UK, for advice etc, they are an excellent organisation, that may offer some advice on how to access what you need, or possibly advise you, how to go around accessing what you need.

As mentioned you could contact Social Services & self refer, they also could possibly help you.

Best of luck....