Grr, DMC

[Fuschia]

I had physio over the Summer for joint pain in pregnancy and when I was signed off I was told I'd need to get rereferred by the GP if it came back. Sadly, at 35 pg it has, and Sunday I could hardly move, let alone lift the twins. I don't like to take a lot of paracetemol either.

I called DMC yesterday am and got a very unhelpful perosn who said the earliest I could get even a tel appt was this morning, but agreed to ask the practice manager (who is never actually there iME) to call me.

Surprise surprise no call.

After waiting till 1.30pm today, I called to see where my tel appt had got to, only to be told it was booked for TOMORROW. Hello?! Did the receptionist totally not grasp it was URGENT, and why did she tell me appt would be today.

Practice manager still not in. And they "don't give out his email address"(!) (complaints must be in writing)

Anyway, I have put in a call via PALS with the PCT complaints people, just hope they can hurry things along. As it took a month and several complaints to get an appt the last time I needed physio I'm not holding my breath it's going to manifest in time to help me out before the baby comes now.

[snowboarder]

Oh no nightmare F. I hate the telephone consultation system they run at DMC - had to book one a couple of weeks ago to get some test results - set it up - the window for the call is HUGE (11-1 or something - told them it was lunch and nap time and would prob miss the call!) - anyway answered the phone - then line went dead - bad mobile connection. Got a msg to say call back - did - no response at all. SO useless - had to actually go in and wait 30mins for proper appt. I understand that they trying to save time blah blah but they certainly use much more of MY time with this system, and all the faff of calling and pestering etc. rant, rant...

[Fuschia]

A phone appt can sometimes be quite handy (though you're right they always call at a bad moment) but in this case I am just so cross that despite me virtually pleading with the receptionist uesterday, she mucked things up and didn't even get me on for today!!

And don't get me started on the practice manager not ringing back. I find that so rude. I would never dream of not calling people back at work!

[EDmummy]

Would you consider getting private physio whilst waiting for appointment and in such pain (know exactly how it feels being a fellow sufferer). The private physio who works out of the office upstairs at DMC is a magician. After suffering with severe back problems since my teen years (congenital deformity in my spine) he is the only one who can get me walking again when my back goes into spasm. You can usually get an appointment within a day or two to see him and he does evening and Saturday appointments. Even if it is a one off because of cost, I am sure it will be money well spent.

Good luck. My thoughts are with you!

[curlykaren]

I second that EDMummy, Russell is fantastic. Don't hold your breath for an NHS resolution, I waited 5 weeks for a support belt from the hospital when I was 7/8 months pregnant and NHS physios don't really do any hands on work anymore, they will just give you exercises.

[Fuschia]

I did find the D Hosp physios quite good when I finally got to see them.. but you're right, maybe I should just pay to get something done quickly (shouldn't have to though!)

Made a complaint via PALS anyway whcih made me feel beter, then the practice manager called me and hey presto a dr called me and faxed the referral (now why couldn't they just do that yesterday am?) so I can call them in the morning hopefully.

I am glad I got the name of the not very sympathetic receptionist from yesterday, as I really do want to know why after insisting she could do no more than put me on the system for a tel appt for today, she didn't even manage to do that!

[Fidgetsmum]

I third the recommendation for Russell upstairs at DMC. Very very good, knowledgeable and a nice bloke so you don't mind having to spend half an hour in his company (my last Physio was devoid of ALL personality!). It's definitely worth spending the money if you can go without something else for a couple of weeks.