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Original poster

Pre-procedure testing

17 replies

MrsRussell · 10/06/2021 15:02

So 80 y/old DM has a brief medical procedure (endoscopy, if it's relevant) early next week.
No transport but independent, has booked a taxi to get to the hospital and home for her procedure. Has had both vaccine doses, FWIW.

She's been contacted today to say she's been booked in for a swab test for Sunday, for a location she can't get to at a time that isn't possible for us to take her. (She can't afford two lots of taxis, and we can't rearrange our commitment.)

Would she be being unreasonable to offer as an alternative either a) that she offers to book a test with her GP practice nurse which is within walking distance, or b) that I take her one of DS's LFTs and she self-tests and uploads the results?

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Cornettoninja · 10/06/2021 16:06

Could you not arrange to lend/give her the money for a taxi? Would seem the simplest solution all round tbh.

I live far away from my df and have a couple of people who live close to him who will accept me transferring the cash and then taking it round (he doesn’t really do banks/cards). Or even speak to the taxi company, lots are set up to take payment over the phone.

Cornettoninja · 10/06/2021 16:07

Oh and I doubt they will accept an LFT result.

Original poster
MrsRussell · 10/06/2021 16:16

Thanks @Cornettoninja, I didn't think they would either but it's always worth an ask!

She's fine with the practicality of paying for the taxi, it's just that within the space of a couple of days it would be quite a lot. And I suspect that the end result is going to be that she's just not going to go to the appointment - which is her right, I guess.

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Mindymomo · 10/06/2021 16:39

Do you not have any local care charities that could arrange a lift or maybe the hospital could arrange transport for one of the days. If you have to cancel the appointment, there’s no saying when she will get another one.

VaccineSticker · 10/06/2021 16:42

Rearrange your commitments or pay for a taxi.
There are over 5 million people on waiting lists to have surgeries done. Consider yourself lucky.

Cornettoninja · 10/06/2021 17:16

Ah. Well, then all you can really do is point out it’s two taxi journeys or no surgery -and no taxis at all then. It’s harsh but if she really can’t bring herself to pay for two taxis then I can’t see any other options. They’re not going to go ahead without it I would think.

It’s worth a call to the location of the test/endoscopy unit and see if they have any transport options but I wouldn’t bank on it.

rainbowunicorn · 10/06/2021 17:22

Please don't try and get the test done with the GP practice nurse. That really is not what they are there for. If she wants the surgery she is going to have to do the test. That means either paying for a taxi (or you paying if she really can't afford it) or you rearrange your commitments to take her.
They won't accept her for the surgery without a proper test so thise are your choices, either that or she does not have the surgery. Even if she does delay the procedure there is nothing to say that the exact same thing won't come up when she is recalled.

MyBossIsATwat · 10/06/2021 17:30

You could ask them if they’ll accept a test done at a drive in site, then book one for her at a time you could take her?

That was an option given to me for me pretty-procedure test as it’s still a PCR.

VaccineSticker · 10/06/2021 19:32

Worth mentioning ... When I got tested before a treatment, they asked me not to use public transport in case I end up catching something on public transport.

Original poster
MrsRussell · 10/06/2021 21:03

Thanks all.
I'm going to have a chat with mum about it in the morning - she's told me a couple of other things since that make me think she's putting barriers in place to not have the check-up, and I'm not in the business of either buggering people about or forcing her to have a medical procedure against her will.
So thanks to everyone for all the information - I now know more fully what her options are and what I can suggest.

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AttaGirrrrl · 10/06/2021 21:07

My dad had surgery a few weeks ago. The PCR was posted to him five days before the procedure and a courier booked to collect it from him. Might be worth checking with her consultant if that is possible?

Original poster
MrsRussell · 10/06/2021 21:17

@AttaGirrrrl unfortunately it seems they actually gave her the PCR test appointment at the beginning of this week but this is the first I've been told about it - I don't think they'd have time now.
Which is a shame because it would have been absolutely ideal, but there we are.....

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Rillington · 10/06/2021 23:29

She wouldn't be allowed at my local hospital without a test done at the drive through test centre first.

Rillington · 10/06/2021 23:31

I would ring the hospital there may be a volunteer driver who could take her.

Original poster
MrsRussell · 11/06/2021 13:34

Update: she's not going, she's drunk (she's an alcoholic) and she says she's spoken to them and cancelled it.
I don't believe her I might add, but it's her appointment and her consequence.

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Cornettoninja · 11/06/2021 16:32

@MrsRussell that situation sounds hard for you to carry Flowers

You’re right though, you will only cause yourself unnecessary angst trying to change her mind or trying to pry out the truth from her. Sympathies from me.

Is the endoscopy largely due to her drinking? She might have been scared off and is now burying her head in the sand. Not a lot you can do about it mind.

Original poster
MrsRussell · 11/06/2021 17:27

Certainly is due to her drinking Cornetto but then she's been bang at it for forty-plus years and I imagine she'll die with it, rather than of it!

But thanks for the flowers.

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