Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
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More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Ken Wood on 28/7/2025, 4:16 pm

Hi everyone, I just spent half my morning helping my neighbour with a problem that may be going to affect lots of our older generation. This problem was that you cannot call your medical practice or medical health group for your repeat presciption , all has changed. The message was from The Felling Medical Group, dated the 7th of July. I called his medical group at Felling, explained the difficulty he was having, and the answer was that he should "email" it. I then went on to explain he was NOT ON THE INTERNET or did not have a "SMART PHONE" or an email account, or indeed the NHS app, on any device, well, he will have to call in and fill in forms, then he will get his prescription eventually, I then went on to ask can you order it now if I hand you over to this person, will you just this once as he has had no information, well the messages are on our website, guess what my answer was!!!. Here is part of their website messages
quote: many NHS practices are stopping the practice of taking prescription repeat requests over the phone and encouraging patients to use online services like the NHS App or website.
What are the alternatives?
Most practices are encouraging patients to use the NHS App or their website to order repeat prescriptions. All sounds easy, YES, well not really, that word I seem to use the time is "if" IF you have the internet, if you have a computer or laptop or maybe a Samsung type tablet, or an iPad or a "Smart Phone" Then once again that word "IF" you have the knowledge to use these devices, : first downloading the NHS app. installing your information, then knowing how to use the NHS sections and ordering your prescription, or reading your messages and looking at your health records, all your health life is on this app, If, you know how to use it, now it if, you want a prescription and do not have all this technology you have to go to your medical centre, this is just my warning to all.
This will happen to every medical group in the next few months, and I advise you all to check your phones or technology devices for the NHS app, and learn or buy or get a smart device if you get stuck or require advice, just ask. Hope this helps

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Maria Ratheram on 28/7/2025, 4:41 pm, in reply to "More NHS changes causing problems"

Don't use a computer just this tablet.In Northumberland my repeat prescription is all set up don't have to do anything all done automatically every two months get a message hello Maria your prescription is ready to collect.Do not have a smart phone just the older type l am lucky hope it works out for your neighbour.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Ken Wood on 28/7/2025, 4:46 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Thanks but once again your old Tablen is smarter that his old Nokia, I advised him to buy even a slightly more modern device,Tesco do so good deals for starting from £7 approx with a new phone. One more item that lots of servers like virgin, 02 are stopping devices that use 3G so beware.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Maria Ratheram on 28/7/2025, 4:57 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Thanks Ken have got a ttfone that is how it is spelled just got it it is 4g easy to manage flip up nice big buttons help button also do a 10 pound a month vodaphone just for texts and phone calls that is good for me .

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Maria Ratheram on 28/7/2025, 5:31 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Know it won't help your neighbour to order prescription the phone I have just a good phone for the future with it being 4G as things are changing .

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Liz Dance on 28/7/2025, 4:48 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Ken, most pharmacies, Boots included, offer a repeat prescription service, I am no5 sure about delivery, if your friend lives in Pelaw when my late mum was alive the pharmacy there offered a repeat prescription service, they also delivered mum’s repeat prescription on the same day each month or whatever arrangement has been made, it was a free service.

I use the NHS App, which is quite easy but you have to remember to order the prescription well in advance as it can take 3 or 4 days before the prescription is ready, why I don’t know.

Good luck.

Re: Technology changes causing havoc with us old folk

Posted by Allan Campbell on 28/7/2025, 9:11 pm, in reply to "More NHS changes causing problems"

As Ken says Technology giving problems with NHS.

In the same vein. Last Monday I went into Harrogate and as I always do use the Victoria multi storey car park.

They have changed the payment for parking system.

A few weeks ago as you did for some years, at the entrance barrier you took a ticket you registration taken. Off you go into Town and on entering the car park put you ticket into the payment machine and pay cash or card. At the exit your no plate recognised and barrier lifts.

Now there is a big sign saying pay on entry. Fair enough but you have to select a time 1, 2 ,3 or 4 hours etc.

So you cannot now just go shopping get a bite to eat or just browse around. You’re under the hammer to get back to your car in your allotted time.

However that’s not the worse of it. The payments machine is ridiculous thought up or designed by an idiot.

The key pad to enter your details for payment is so low down that it would be better to be on your knees. With a back problem I had great difficulty bending over trying to do the entry.

This type of thing is becoming more and more with various “improvements”.

I went into 3 shops that day and all had changed their layouts. The previous sort of flowing layouts gone.

I said to Ann on getting home “ have we moved to another town or planet “ and told her about my trip.

Sorry but us old folk are being disadvantaged big time. Left behind!

No doubt you all have come across similar things.

Allan C.

Re: Technology changes causing havoc with us old folk

Posted by Ken Wood on 29/7/2025, 9:33 am, in reply to "Re: Technology changes causing havoc with us old folk"

Quick update on my neighbour's NHS problems: he came back with a new Tesco smartphone and then asked me for more help installing the NHS app. The journey began, and wait for this tale of mystery. All went well with inserting the name and date of birth, but the phone number was a bit tricky; it was managed. I then had to set up an email address, but then the BIG problem was ID PROOF ??, no driving license, no passport, nothing to prove his ID, nothing to prove his ID, thinking I then asked him if he had a bus pass, the answer was YES, OK, let's try that, taking a photo of this BOTH sides as instructed the n inserting into thier website, watching the little circle going round and round OK DONE! Well NO!, NOW I have to video him speaking 4 provided number (what they send) OK I then video him saying these 4 numbers and once again those little wheels start going again, this is not interrupted with providing thses activation number we will send you in an email, back to the email waiting of more mumbers to insert in activation area, al works more circles going around, then finally I THINK ALL IS DONE, NO mesaage saying in a few day s we wil send you a message if you have been activated, OR you can call youer doctor group and ask them to activate your app, this to 2 hours, and stil no NHS APP WORKING, he is waiting for email that this is activated! CRAZY, how many people would be able to do what I HAVE just assisted this person with, how many have a valid passport (must be valid), how many have a driving license, but most of ALL how many can DO what it has taken me 2 hours to do, hope thise informs you what the NHS ADMIN (not the real NHS PEOPLE)IS DOING FOR YOU?

Re: Technology changes causing havoc with us old folk

Posted by Brian on 29/7/2025, 11:01 am, in reply to "Re: Technology changes causing havoc with us old folk"

I would certainly say there's certainly been a reduction in valid passports with those of pensionable age, we are lucky that our GP practice allow us to renew prescriptions etc via their website. I also have the NHS app which I use mainly for hospital apps as I am going to be doing a clinical trial, as I have told I have familial cholesterol, the GP said it should have been picked up years ago, mines not too high , it's an injection every 6 months , so get the first in 8 weeks . We checked online and the pick up rate for the condition is just over 9% so the overwhelming majority go undiagnosed.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Mac C on 29/7/2025, 3:42 pm, in reply to "More NHS changes causing problems"

It is not just old folk but the vulnerable being hit by policies like this.
They will be incapable of the suggested "work arounds" such as home delivery and even may be home bound to boot! And most of the suggested answers are online ....Catch 22 comes to mind!
There does need to be an option for them. Families used to be the link now I think more often concerned neighbours (like you Ken) are being drawn in to help which is great but not the answer.
If i were aware of this affecting people at a local surgery I would contact them for clarity on their policy. If that wasn't satisfactory contacting the NHC Integrated Care Board for the County would be on the agenda.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Norman on 29/7/2025, 8:13 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

When I go into the GPs surgery. The place is nearly empty.All those seats with no one sitting on them. Why then can't people just turn up like we used to????
Why do we have to have appointments.it worked OK years ago didn't it,?

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Sheila on 29/7/2025, 9:08 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Norman, I’ve not been to our surgery this year, but last year, our surgery was the same, empty, but never any appointments. Of the 14 original doctors we had for many years, there is only one doctor left. Some have retired and others who had been with the surgery for many years have moved on. It’s never really recovered from what was put in place for Covid.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems

Posted by Brian on 30/7/2025, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

I don't know if this will work for you at your respective surgeries , but when we ring we say we are quite happy to see a nurse practioner or practice nurse if a doctor isn't available. If needed the nurse will always bring the doctor in. It's worth a try.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Liz Dance on 30/7/2025, 9:37 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems"

Funny you should mention that Brian, I had an issue whereby I sent a message to my surgery via the NHS app asking for permission to temporarily stop taking a tablet, instead of a call from a doctor I received a response saying that the head pharmacist would call me to discuss the issue, it worked well.

The other thing is using the NHS app I can send messages to the surgery, I always receive a reply sometimes from a Doctor, it saves me calling, the surgery can reply when convenient, it works for me.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Brian on 30/7/2025, 10:08 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Liz, you do what works for you, not every surgery works the same, so you do what works for you.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Liz Dance on 30/7/2025, 10:22 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Brian, the NHS app works quite well for me not all appointments can be done via the app but I try to use the app as often as I can, repeat prescriptions that kind of thing, I find it saves time hanging on a phone line waiting to be answered then being cross questioned by a receptionist.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Brian on 30/7/2025, 11:48 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Our surgery appointments are dealt with by triage staff, who if needed can get you in very quickly, I am getting over shingles when I rang about it after a quick conversation I was in front of the doctor within 90 minutes as I was told time is of the essence with the condition for treatment, they were right.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Liz Dance on 31/7/2025, 8:03 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Brian, sorry to hear you had shingles I can sympathise with you I had it many years ago so know the pain you must have had, don’t know where on your body you had it but my late dad had it in the forehead down to the eyes that was terrible.

In days gone by one of the ‘remedies’ to cure shingles was scrubbing the area where the shingles were especially when it was round your middle!!!

Hope you recover soon.

More NHS changes causing problems - Liz

Posted by Brian on 31/7/2025, 10:11 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

It was on my face into my beard line and temple and in my scalp, spots have gone , but still a little uncomfortable so Stoll on painkillers. The weeds took hold at the allotment when I was poorly. It never takes long, lost my romanesco and some of my cauliflowers as they had started to go to seed . Been up a couple of times clearing weeds so it's getting back to normal albeit a little slower than I'd like.
Spent Wednesday preparing a venison carcass took a few hours but got it skinned and jointed, had a haunch for Sunday lunch,it was beautiful, made sausages with the trimmings, casserole meat with the shoulder, and we had a stir fry with some of the backstrap. We ended up with just under 10kg of meat so the freezer has filled up somewhat. I have another ordered for December.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Liz

Posted by Liz Dance on 31/7/2025, 12:38 pm, in reply to "More NHS changes causing problems - Liz"

Sounds as though you had shingles in a similar place to my dad, glad you are in tge road to recovery now.

Brian, the venison sounds lovely can I ask where you buy your venison from, we have bought venison from Blagdon Farm Shop quite a few times, at the end of last year I bought some from a dealer in the Borders it was fine but not the best?

Hope you are back to full recovery soon and back at your allotment, my husband spent days last week getting rid of wild honeysuckle, it had totally taken over in one part of our garden, during the process my husband came across a pear tree with fruit on it!!

Take care.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Liz

Posted by Brian on 31/7/2025, 4:07 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Liz"

We got the chance to buy a culled stag through a friend who works for the forestry commission it was a full beast minus head,it was gutted and lower legs removed, it was just over 16kg, by the time I skinned and prepared it we lost around 6 kg in hide and bone. You have to butcher it yourself and that puts a lot of people off, but it’s common sense, just take your time. The bones were cooked for stock and that was reduced greatly and frozen .0

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Liz Dance on 1/8/2025, 8:27 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Liz"

I take my hat off to you Brian for taking on such a project, it wouldn’t be for me, I like to look at meat that has already been butchered then decide what piece I want to buy. I don’t buy prepacked stuff I do like to buy my meat over a counter having decided what to buy, I always ask questions about meat in particular how long has the beef been hung for that kind of thing.

I am sure your venison will be lovely, my husband had venison last week in a French restaurant, he said it was one of the best pieces he had eaten it was served with a pepper corn sauce which he said complimented it very nicely!!,

Good luck with the next one, at least you will know what to expect?

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Brian on 1/8/2025, 9:34 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Venison is a meat that needs a strong sauce and peppercorn sauce is an ideal partner. We used the remainder of the haunch to make a venison rogan josh, it made a fantastic curry.
We also sautéed some sliced backstrap very simply with tomatoes, onion, garlic and thyme, took 5 minutes and was beautiful, simple and served with rice. A simple but tasty dish. Not enough people eat venison, it's lean, high in protein and low in fat and a healthy meat to eat. But as you know so many people turn their nose up at it without trying it.
Last night we had our version of a cassoulet with venison, pork and apple and smoked sausages along with chicken thighs a good selection of veg in the stew and served simply with fresh made bread straight from the oven. Some of the shoulder meat will be made into pies with leek and black pudding I'll let you know how they are.
Today we'll be pickling cornichon cucumbers as we have quite a glut of them and we have no intention of letting them go to waste.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Liz Dance on 1/8/2025, 11:30 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Brian, I’ll let you know when I am next visiting the NE you can invite me round to dinner!! Haha.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by BobJ on 1/8/2025, 11:55 am, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Brian, that cassoulet sounds lovely, do you deliver?😉😉
You’re right about we should eat more venison etc, too many people think of Bambi etc & are put off without even trying anything different.

Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian

Posted by Brian on 1/8/2025, 1:13 pm, in reply to "Re: More NHS changes causing problems - Brian"

Thank Bob, it's proper comfort food, you can vary the taste by using different herbs, sausages etc to your own preference. You're right about not eating enough venison but shops don't always make it easy to find, so we buy direct and the freezer gets filled.

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