MEDICAL MATTERS

[Tripps]

The root of what is happening is that the government has been caught with its trousers down having failed to train enough doctors

Calls to LBC yesterday from doctors say that is not the case. One very credible lady doctor phoned in to say very convincingly, (to me anyway) that there is no shortage of doctors - but there is a shortage of postions for them. I think we need a root and branch enquiry into the NHS - a Royal Commission. Perhaps the Aneurin Bevan model for the NHS has been overtaken by events and should be re-examined.

[Tizer]

I have found that the surgery website usually lists the Doctors and their qualifications and when where they were obtained. That's useful. I hope it still continues to be the case.

Our surgery does that and also gives days and am or pm when they are in and available. My favourite is a Dr Alkadhi, `Qualified: Baghdad 2002'. As well as a GP she's a specialist in dermatology and has treated me several times although she's not my GP (I wish she was!). She's very efficient, does what's needed and is always smiling. I send her my photos (dermatology of course) and she's happy to use email directly. If there are any more of her in Baghad let's have them over here please!

[Sue]

The root of what is happening is that the government has been caught with its trousers down having failed to train enough doctors

Calls to LBC yesterday from doctors say that is not the case. One very credible lady doctor phoned in to say very convincingly, (to me anyway) that there is no shortage of doctors - but there is a shortage of postions for them. I think we need a root and branch enquiry into the NHS - a Royal Commission. Perhaps the Aneurin Bevan model for the NHS has been overtaken by events and should be re-examined.

Hmm our surgery has been two down for about 4 years. We have a string of locums. The permanent positions remain empty

[Tripps]

I can't explain that - I just post stuff I come across that I think may be relevant or interesting to members.

I'm not running the NHS.

I surrender (again). . .

[Big Kev]

Good luck with the result Kev!

[Big Kev]

Trip to the MRI unit at Burnley today to see if the drugs are working on the tumour

Got there 30 minutes early as I wasn't sure how close I could park. Went straight in and was out 5 minutes after my appointment time, result

[Stanley]

When do they give you the verdict Kev?

[Big Kev]

Usually a few weeks for MRI results.

[Tizer]

MyDentist in Colne are currently taking on new NHS patients.

Can they provide the service online? Everything's online these days.

This company was already providing a dental service online...
`What went wrong at Smile Direct Club?' LINK

[PanBiker]

How long were you in the scanner Kev? I found out with my last that the amount of data they take converts into the time it takes to interpret it with the team. My normal contrasted half an hour in the scanner shrank to 15 mins from start to finish. Still with contrast. I got my results in less than a week. If I have it right they are monitoring your tumour for any change from grade one histology. Best of luck anyway.

[Big Kev]

How long were you in the scanner Kev?

If I have it right they are monitoring your tumour for any change from grade one histology

Just short of 30 minutes. I have to go every 6 months.

Got a letter from the DVLA this morning, I can keep my car licence but won't be able to renew my LGV C+E, not that I had any intention of driving a wagon again (last time was 20 years ago). I'd already had a copy of the letter, sent to them by the consultant, the confirmation was just a formality but it's always in the back of your mind that they may say no.

[Sue]

I can't explain that - I just post stuff I come across that I think may be relevant or interesting to members.

I'm not running the NHS.

I surrender (again). . .

As our practice is rated the worst in Rochdale and one of the worst nationally perhaps no one applies for the positions. About 20 years ago it was the best, but a lot of the old established GPs retired. I don’t really know the reason, its in what can be described as a middle class area including Norden and Bamford. . As far as local practices are concerned the others are not much better so we have decided to stay with Drs we know. There are two really good GPs ,, needless to say appointments are like gold. There is one that no one will voluntarily go to unless you are desperate

[PanBiker]

How long were you in the scanner Kev?

If I have it right they are monitoring your tumour for any change from grade one histology

Just short of 30 minutes. I have to go every 6 months.

Got a letter from the DVLA this morning, I can keep my car licence but won't be able to renew my LGV C+E, not that I had any intention of driving a wagon again (last time was 20 years ago). I'd already had a copy of the letter, sent to them by the consultant, the confirmation was just a formality but it's always in the back of your mind that they may say no.

Well, a bit of advice that you are probably aware of. If they say no, surrender your licence instantly, if they revoke it as they did with mine just because I asked for advice it's a proper bind trying to get it back. My six month suspension on medical grounds turned into nearly eleven months despite letters from doctors and consultants.

[Big Kev]

I was aware of your DVLA shenanigans Ian, hopefully I won't go near there.

[Stanley]

I can confirm that Ian from what happened to son in law Mick. His was revoked and not simply surrendered and it took forever for him to get it back, He's OK now thank goodness.

[Tizer]

Watch out for this, it will be nasty for anyone who eats the cheese...
`Mrs Kirkham's: Cheeses recalled over Christmas E. coli fears' Cheese E. coli.
People have been urged to check their Christmas Day cheeseboards and hampers after the food safety watchdog warned about a potential E. coli risk linked to one manufacturer. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) "precautionarily" recalled items produced by Mrs Kirkham's on Sunday. The varieties impacted are the company's Creamy Lancashire, Tasty Lancashire, Mature Lancashire and Smoked Lancashire brands. Affected customers can claim a refund.

The FSA said as well as being sold off the shelf, the cheeses "may have been provided as part of a hamper you've purchased or been gifted", and have "been sold as part of a charcutier grazing platter".

[I wonder where the FSA got the word `precautionarily'?

[Stanley]

I heard that report Peter and thought it was particularly festive.
I looked on their website and found this:- Nestled in the beautiful village of Goosnargh over looking Beacon fell, we have been farming and producing our award winning raw milk Lancashire Cheese since 1978. Now the last raw milk Lancashire cheesemakers in the world.
That could be the reason......

[Tizer]

Yes, I wouldn't drink raw milk.

[Tripps]

I know Goosnargh quite well. Uncle Jim lives there and we've visited a lot over the years.

Dairy and cheese is a big deal there, but I was unaware (and a bit surprised) that Kirkhams used raw milk.

There's still Goosnargh cakes and Goosnargh duck to redeem the village though.

[Stanley]

I was wondering why I couldn't remember them, I used to deliver bulk milk to all the cheese-makers in the area. Then I saw on the web site they weren't established until 1978.
Singleton's in Longridge were the biggest maker in that area then.... They still make good cheese under the trademark Granny Singleton. Their strongpoint is the length of time they mature their cheeses....

[Stanley]

I got a message from the surgery to call them as there was a message for me. When I rang they told me that they wanted a blood test and I am booked in at 11:10 tomorrow. No inkling of why it had been called for.
I wonder whether they realise how worrying this is for someone like me..... My mind is racing, why another test and why so quickly?
It will spoil my day.

[Tizer]

Perhaps it's a regular thing now. If you look at your diary perhaps you had one a year ago?

[Stanley]

No Peter, that was the one thing that was clear. It was a request for another sample.
Reminder, I have only just had a sample and was waiting for the diabetes nurse to call on the 15th of January.

[Big Kev]

I got a message from the surgery to call them as there was a message for me. When I rang they told me that they wanted a blood test and I am booked in at 11:10 tomorrow. No inkling of why it had been called for.
I wonder whether they realise how worrying this is for someone like me..... My mind is racing, why another test and why so quickly?
It will spoil my day.

Did you look at your previous results in the NHS app? Could just be they need to do something again, I've had 'weird' blood results before and all was good on the second go.

[PanBiker]

I had one in December, nothing wrong with any of the tests then but they want another in January as they have changed my meds which, apparently can bang your liver or kidneys. I have a blood donor appointment for February which I may be able to keep as long as my test results are OK and I have no bruising.

I should report that the change of BP medication seems to have eased the swelling in my right lower leg. My foot and ankle are back to normal, my calf is considerably better in the evening with just a small amount of swelling remaining. Looks like it was a good call with Dr Bryan.