Get Well Soon on the NHS

I am sitting with my foot up whilst I write this albeit with my foot in plaster. All I can say my Consultant Mr Siddique and the staff were fantastic.   I was met at reception and shown to my room, I was introduced to so many staff all of which explained in full what was to happen and what would happen next.  The meals I could not complain about as they were as good as any 5 star hotel and there was free parking!  And before anyone asks YES I was an NHS patient.

Through Choose and Book we all have a choice of where we want to go.. I chose to see Mr Siddique I chose the Nuffield and I made these choices as a NHS Patient.  We can all choose where and when we want to be seen now as long as the hospital provides that service.  Did I get this service because I work in the NHS ? definitely not.  The others in at the same time as me all experienced what I experienced.  All I can say is it  helped with my recovery.  Thankyou Mr Siddique and the team albeit I still have a way to go on the road to full recovery. Thank you to you all for my lovely cards, flowers, basket of fruit and many messages. I was overwhelmed.  

This then got me thinking about how others manage day to day when they may not be as active as myself.  I have been doing a daily update to my friends on how to cope with the crutches.  Maybe I will write a beginners guide to using the crutches and hand this out to patients.   I am doing impressions of the Karate Kid but not sure this is going down well by the look on the faces. Well laughter is supposed to be the best medicine. 

Working from home is not the norm.. I have software called away from my desk which allows me to see log on as if I am sitting in front of my desk (all secure of course).  I can log onto the cctv and I think this spooked the girls at first when I told them someone with a grey coat on was in reception. Certainly not going to be a case of 'while the cat is away'.  Having said that we have a fantastic team who always pull together and I for one could not do my job without them.   

I even managed to have a skype meeting from home.  Next week I am going to start a guest blog.. this should be fun so watch this space. Please do get in touch if there is anything you would like me to mention on my blog that may be of interest to other patients. 

Till next time 

Gloria

This weeks news......

Oh my its been a busy week

The surgery continues to be full with people coming in to get the flu vaccine.  If your eligible please contact the surgery to make an appointment.    I promise you the nurse is very gentle.

We have had enquiries about the babies born between 1st May 2013 and 7th August 2013 in Sunderland Royal who were on the Neonatal Unit. Staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital are telephoning as well as hand delivering letters to patients inviting the babies along to dedicated clinics.  The risk we have been informed is extremely low.   A dedicated helpline is in place 8am to 8pm 07810 63810

Some of our patients have been receiving letters from a pharmacy2U and some have other names.  I am told they are posting letters to patients (they get the names from the electoral role) and offer to get their prescriptions.   I want our patients to know this has nothing at all to do with us.  Patient information is not and will never be given to pharmacy companies in fact I am very surprised that they can cold canvas like this.  In our surgery we have leaflets of 'local' pharmacies who offer this service and if you cant get to the surgery patients can telephone reception and ask them the options.  Any problems with them please do let me know.

From next week I will be one of those people who work from home !!! I don't know if I am looking forward to it or not. Its not that I don't want to come in to work but the fact I wont be able to drive... although if you ask others they reckon I can drive alright, drive them up the wall and probably will being caged in.  I have had offers to give me lifts to work and I'm sure I will take this offer up. It makes you appreciate your freedom when its taken away albeit only a short time.  Me being aka Mrs Claus is having to get organised much earlier.  How do people shop when they cant get around ! Internet I suppose, but what if they don't have access to the internet ??? family and friends.. but what if they don't know anyone ???  this is something that is really starting to make me think.  Lets look at our neighbours and really take an interest and ask ourselves how do they manage day to day.  Lets do something that has no price... lets offer a little more kindness..

ps..   I may not be at work but virtually I will be and my next blog will be from home..