Ludicrous- rant!

[Jimjams]

Don't want to start a private vs State discussion again, but just wanted to comment. AAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH

I have spent the last couple of days accessing speech and language help for ds1 from the States. I have received more advice and suggestions from SALTS there than I have from the NHS in the last 2 and a half years. Some of the suggestions are impossible in the UK (like - has he seen a neurologist- I wish!!!). But lots of helpful practical ones as well. A SALT has offered to look at a video of him (for a fee- but cheaper than a private SALT session here) and she appears to be the most respected specialist in verbal dyspraxia in the States. Someone else has asked another professional for advice on my behalf.

Now obvioulsy this is great (thank god for the internet), but slightly ridiculous as well! Surely I shouldn't have to go to the States to try and get answers? Why on earth can I get more helpful advice from 30 minutes talking to strangers via the internet than I can from seeing the so-called professionals here.

And why- do the professionals in the States have lots of positive ideas when then idiots over here seem to think there is no point even trying because it's a)too difficult b)will take too much time and c)will cost too much money.

AAGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!

Jimjams, I know a fair few people who might take you up on the point of the NHS doing antenatal well Like those who would like one-to-one midwifery care throughout pregnancy and see a different midwife at each appointment. Or those who live in areas where all NHS antenatal classes have been cancelled. Or just the current general midwife crisis......

However, I do agree the NHS struggles to cope with anyone who has an ongoing or complex condition. IMO, in some cases, it doesn't even use the resources that it has. Case in point: Our hospital has a Children's Health Info Centre. Situated in Children's Outpatient Waiting Area. You daren't leave your seat to go and look at it, in case you miss your name being called and then have to wait another six weeks for an appointment.

The Centre will access whatever info you require - in our case, copies of journal articles - but also provides videos, CD-ROMs, leaflets and literature. But the paediatric staff don't refer you there.... even when they know you are researching your child's condition!

Anyway, being in the privileged position of editing local NCT newsletter, I can get the word out that it exists. I would hate to go in there one day and find it had closed because no-one used it!

I can't complain about the service (provided by paediatric staff) once you are actually sat in front of someone/on the ward/having a procedure as we have always experienced good care. But the waiting.... and waiting...

The system definitely needs a good shake-up. AFAIK, places for midwifery training, medical school, physio and many other medical qualifications are still highly competitive but the retention rate of staff is pretty lousy.

I take your point about the antenatal care SueW. I saw a different midwife each time! I was just trying to be positive in that at least they do tend to pick up pre-eclampsia etc. Now my postnatal care was appalling (had 2nd c-section with some minor complications which meant I had to have a catheter and drain in for 48 hours- you try cleaning blood from the floor with paper towels whilst holding catheter and drain as there didn't seem to be anyone else to do it!)

But to be honest in comparison with the services received by my son antenatal/postnatal care was like a dream!

Interesting about not being referred to the info centre. I had my chance to have a moan on Radio yesterday (see Radio Devon thread in Health) and one of the things we were moaning about is that you're not told about the help that is available, and the services which exist.