General Medical issues thread

[JohnK]

Dad went to hospital on Wednesday with an elevated ESR and it turns out he has pneumonia. He had 2 specialist appointments earlier in the week and one of the carers that took him to heart specialist had symptoms of being sick. Parents got a call after the appointment that one of the carers was sick.

Please explain to me why someone who works with elderly turns up to work sick? Luckily it wasn't covid. I have no trust in people. Wish I was in Sydney so I can help taking care of dad instead of relying on selfish strangers.

And that brings me to next part. So dad was in ER and they moved him to the ward. Mum asked me to call to get an update. Called the ward last night and I get a rude nurse taking the call. She's not taking care of dad but the nurse that is looking after dad will call me back. No interest in confirming my details. And 8 hours later I'm still waiting for call.

I've met a few nurses on AFF who are nice people but my experience with nurses in general is poor. I can really understand why they get abused regularly. They're not nice people. Arrogant. They do not belong taking care of people. They do not deserve my respect.

 

[MARTINE]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

 

[Flyfrequently]

This period of confinement has really shown me (much like the COVID lockdowns did too) that I do not need much to be happy - the main things are definitely time with my family and friends, and the ability to go out for simple pleasures like a coffee in the sun. As soon as I was allowed a couple of weeks ago to start minimal "cautious social contact with a small range of healthy people", the very first thing I did was visit and hug my 89 year old mum, followed the next day by my daughter and granddaughter. This week I added 2 friends into the mix. I'm pretty happy. The possibility of travel is now probably the next thing on my wish list - to see Seat Son and skiing.

I admire your spirit and thank you for sharing this personal journey @Seat0B
Nothing much beats a Mum's hug but we will all be cheering when you get to say "konnichiwa" to Seat Son

 

[Pushka]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

I always go around 10.30 amd never on a Monday or Friday. I've discovered a new path lab that seems to have not been discovered by others yet. Its bliss. Always the next one to go in. It's attached to a Drs surgery and up a flight of stairs in a shopping complex. And submits all results to my health unlike most of the others.

A few years ago I went to one in a major clinic site. The queue was ridiculous. We sat and no one was called in for at least half an hour. A Dr who had been waiting went to the counter and vented his spleen and took his form back and walked out. I had to get to work so asked the receptionist what was happening. She said that someone had arrived to do a prolonged test and which required an appointment. She had not made the appointment but as she'd fasted or something, they took her in anyway at which point I said, so the clinic decided to inconvenience all these people, and pointed to the waiting room, so as not to inconvenience one person who had not Booked in as required. I took my form and left. I then sent an email to that clinic advising them what had happened. Upstairs (literally, in this site) the boffins had no idea what had taken place and said had they been advised by downstairs they could have sent some people downstairs to manage the crowd. They offered me a gift but I declined as that wasn't why I'd contacted them.

 

[prozac]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

I went a few weeks ago. I had to wait whilst the waiting room was cleared. When my turn came and went, I came back out to discover ... an empty waiting room. If only I had delayed my trip a little.

 

[MARTINE]

Ok
My experience today in a major provider attached to a very well run medical practice
Opens 8am
I get there 7:50 (its open as the practice opens early)
No 4
But…. Lovely nurse explained to me there is now a booking system online!!! The sign at entrance did not mention this.
I said to her you better put up a massive sign explaining booked slots get seen at their appointed time and ahead of the numbers in wait room if it is their time!!

 

[Pushka]

Ok
My experience today in a major provider attached to a very well run medical practice
Opens 8am
I get there 7:50 (its open as the practice opens early)
No 4
But…. Lovely nurse explained to me there is now a booking system online!!! The sign at entrance did not mention this.
I said to her you better put up a massive sign explaining booked slots get seen at their appointed time and ahead of the numbers in wait room if it is their time!!

Wow. I can see so many appointments never turning up because that's what people seem to do these days.

 

[MARTINE]

Wow. I can see so many appointments never turning up because that's what people seem to do these days.

If you miss your slot and turn up late uou revert to numbers
She said she will call in next person if appt did not show.
Its the waiting room barney I can predict when there are 10 pax and a booked appt comes (correctly) at their time for priority boarding!!!!
I always go early as want to get my breakfast sooner than later after fasting

 

[JohnK]

Its the waiting room barney I can predict when there are 10 pax and a booked appt comes (correctly) at their time for priority boarding!!!!
I always go early as want to get my breakfast sooner than later after fasting

I can see this turning to custard very quickly.

 

[Flashback]

Dad went to hospital on Wednesday with an elevated ESR and it turns out he has pneumonia. He had 2 specialist appointments earlier in the week and one of the carers that took him to heart specialist had symptoms of being sick. Parents got a call after the appointment that one of the carers was sick.

Please explain to me why someone who works with elderly turns up to work sick? Luckily it wasn't covid. I have no trust in people. Wish I was in Sydney so I can help taking care of dad instead of relying on selfish strangers.

And that brings me to next part. So dad was in ER and they moved him to the ward. Mum asked me to call to get an update. Called the ward last night and I get a rude nurse taking the call. She's not taking care of dad but the nurse that is looking after dad will call me back. No interest in confirming my details. And 8 hours later I'm still waiting for call.

I've met a few nurses on AFF who are nice people but my experience with nurses in general is poor. I can really understand why they get abused regularly. They're not nice people. Arrogant. They do not belong taking care of people. They do not deserve my respect.

You can understand why they get abused regularly? I'm sorry, but whatever reason there is, there's never a reason to abuse them. They are ofter overworked, underpaid and just trying to do the best they can. Things are not so black and white.

 

[Cossie]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

I had to drop off a specimen yesterday, I went at about 11am, fortunately it was just to drop it off as there were 12 people waiting inline.

 

[MARTINE]

I had to drop off a specimen yesterday, I went at about 11am, fortunately it was just to drop it off as there were 12 people waiting inline.

Yes

 

[Flashback]

I had to drop off a specimen yesterday, I went at about 11am, fortunately it was just to drop it off as there were 12 people waiting inline.

Last time I had to drop off a specimen it had to be in prompto and tested. It passed. We did fall pregnant a few times but damn miscarriages. Sounds like yours was something more sinister though

 

[JohnK]

You can understand why they get abused regularly? I'm sorry, but whatever reason there is, there's never a reason to abuse them. They are ofter overworked, underpaid and just trying to do the best they can. Things are not so black and white.

My 85 year old dad is very ill. I asked for an update. I was ignored. I should commend them for job well done right?

P.S. I spent some time in ICU. Doctors and nurses are not busy all of the time. More than half the time is taken by socialising.

 

[Seat0B]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

oh yes I feel this one - as recent frequent flyer at our pathology service here in the ACT I have never managed to be first in the queue or avoid a substantial wait - although it does seem to be less crowded between 1030 and 1115 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

 

[Cossie]

Jesus, being married to an ICU nurse and knowing many others as well, I call absolute bullsh!t on that last comment two post ago. Listening to her and friends talking about burnout and other issues, statements like that make me so angry. I know many ICU nurses that have taken early retirement or transferred to cushy pen pushing clerical jobs due to the stress of working in critical care.
As for doctors, do you really know how many hours a week they are expected to work including those hours where they don’t get paid?

 

[drron]

And a doctor talking to a nurse in ICU doesn’t mean that they are socialising. More likely that they are talking about patients or their results. And you would often see me talking to ward clerks and wardsmen as they often talked with patients who would often tell them things that they would not talk to the medical staff about.

And when I had outpatient clinics 1 in 3 would not attend and had not cancelled their appointments.

 

[LinaLee]

I am psychic!
I can predict that no matter how early (waaay before the opening time of a pathology provider) you arrive you will NEVER be first in the queue.

I normally try to arrive after the morning rush. That’s harder to pick but great when you get it right. No waiting.

The sweet spot during my time at Epworth Richmond was around 0845-0900. No queue most of the time.

 

[Pushka]

My 85 year old dad is very ill. I asked for an update. I was ignored. I should commend them for job well done right?

P.S. I spent some time in ICU. Doctors and nurses are not busy all of the time. More than half the time is taken by socialising.

Hmmm, if that (incredibly wrong) assumption was expressed in your manner then I don't think it's working well for you. I hope your Dad is comfortable and recovering. ICU is an incredibly difficult area to work in and staff deserve respect.

 

[JohnK]

And a doctor talking to a nurse in ICU doesn’t mean that they are socialising. More likely that they are talking about patients or their results. And you would often see me talking to ward clerks and wardsmen as they often talked with patients who would often tell them things that they would not talk to the medical staff about.

And when I had outpatient clinics 1 in 3 would not attend and had not cancelled their appointments.

Oh come on Dr Ron?

Naive John makes a statement and automatically everyone doubts John's version of events. If I say I was in ICU and I saw and heard what doctors and nurses were saying then don't doubt me. I have zero to gain accusing anyone.

My bed was literally a few metres away from the Triage area. Doctor went to see a patient and when they came back they were telling jokes and socialising and discussing personal lives. Then they'd go out and back again. This went on and on through every shift. In the mean time patients are waiting and building up outside.

I know what I saw. I know what I heard. Its not allegations. Its not accusations. Its fact. Sorry for those that refuse to accept me relating facts and instead accuse me of lying and distorting truth. Up to you but it's the same with every issue society faces today. Ignore the truth because it's not convenient nor what we want to hear.

If you tell me it's a tough job and they need to socialise then there's something wrong with them. They should look to move to a quiet country town practice where they see 1-2 patients a day. If I am not mistaken the ER should be go, go, go and they need to be dealing with patients not their social lives.