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Home visits, taken off the list

worried33

Hi, for a long time, I think since 2014 I was on the home visit list for my GP.

Earlier this year, my GP surgery was deliberately awkrawd when I requested a home appointment from my GP (whilst still on the list), the receptionist just stayed silent when I asked. When I pushed a bit more she wouldnt book it.

Then under duress my sister took me in for a couple of appointments, where I was in a lot of pain and almost fell multiple times, particularly struggling getting in and out of the car, this was explained on the appointments to no avail.

Then last October I was booked for a home flu jab, and then started getting text messages asking me to book my flu jab at the surgery, as I was confused I rang to ask what was going on, if the home appointment was still set, the receptionist went to the nurse, who without speaking to me there and then took me of the home visit list on the basis I attended 2 appointments on site. That was it, no speaking to me, was just done like that on a whim. Both of these, plus a private scan I attended set me back.

Fast forward to today, I was allowed to book ambulance transport for hospital appointment out of empathy, but they said next time they wont approve it unless I am on the home visit list again.

I am currently pretty much housebound again, struggle to even walk out of my bedroom, as my conditions have flared right up due to lack of treatment, so I rang GP to explain why I need to be put back on, but because it was a nurse who took it off the receptionist said she couldnt reverse it which I understand, I now have an appointment with a GP partner to try and convince him to put it back on, which I think they going to be difficult about, so I am curious if anyone has experience of this, is it a right if you have severe mobility issues or can a GP practice just refuse on a whim and say tough luck?

I think they just try to look at it very simple, and assume if you went somewhere, it was done without problems and with no safety risk.

Sadly the great GP I had retired some years back, I think it was her that put me on it originally.

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Comments

Ostia

I wonder if they now have a list of conditions which qualify for a home visit ? Perhaps you have a fluctuating condition like MS or ME? If so I think they expect you to book to come in on a better day and recover afterwards if necessary...I have ME so I know about this pattern. Shortage of docs and funds mean they will prob only send a gp out if it is a real emergency as a gp being out of the surgery means noone can be seen in clinic till they return...

Sadly that is the reality now. However if this is not the case for you, best to make an appt with the practice manager to find out what is going on. Best wishes.

worried33

When I did go in the condition wasnt as bad as it is now, now its the same as it was when I got hospitalised, so yes there is some fluctuation.
I feel they shouldnt require specific diagnosis to put someone on the list, when they are refusing to refer to secondary care. (which is something they are also doing, a separate issue).

The problem with this decision is it basically stops me from attending any hospital scans or other appointments. There is a snowball effect, likewise I wont be able to have my diabetes blood tests either.

Kimi87

Is using a wheelchair and someone to push you an option to attend appointments, that might mitigate some of your difficulties?

worried33

I havent anyone to push it, as my sister can only take me when she isnt at work, and its already been a massive challenge to get her to help me even those two times, for the most part I am on my own on this.

I also cant travel in her car anymore, I was in agony when I was last in the vehicle. The symptoms also keep increasing every time I travel somewhere now as well. It has been fairly consistent on that.

I dont have a wheelchair either.

Rachel_Scope

I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this @worried33. I'm hopeful that the GP partner will understand the situation and put you back on the list. They should look at how your condition affects you and make the right decision. Let them know everything you've written here so they understand.

Do you have any support at home?

worried33

I dont, I still havent been able to wash since June last year, and thats a whole different matter. This has also been explained to the GP with no action taken.

The OT referred me for a grant to have a level access shower fitted, and that has a 2 year waiting list. A bath lift is no longer suitable for me due to me being too heavy now (the last one broke and fire brigade had to rescue me from bath).

I tried to get a social worker again and the council rejected it saying a self referral has no credibility.

I have a MRI tomorrow and I am hoping someone at the hospital will intervene.

Thank you Rachel for asking.

A couple of times I filled the bath and put my perching stool at the side of it, but I stopped doing it as it was dangerous, getting my legs in from the stool (including moving it) at the side was triggering symptoms and I almost couldnt get my leg out the second time, and I cant do that now with my cramps.

Rachel_Scope

Have you had a care needs assessment? Here's some information on getting one https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/ . They'll assess you and decide what type of care you need.

When you say you haven't been able to wash since June, do you mean you can't do it by yourself and have had help, or that you haven't been able to wash at all?

worried33

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1094073#Comment_1094073

I can wash hands normally, arms, chest area with a flannel, but not a soak sitting on toilet to do it next to sink, my lower body has almost not been touched at all.

Thank you for the link, I remember this page, I then went to my council website as it tells you to, and there is no form, just a phone number, and on the call they said to send someone to assess me needs a HCP referral.

The council also doesnt have a needs assessment listed at all, instead they called it something else with social help in the name, they seem to be making it difficult to access.

Maybe I missed it on the council website, but not sure if I want to post my city here.

Rachel_Scope

I've sent you an email @worried33, so be on the lookout for it.

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