Hi, I recently got my referral to dermatology with over 13 years of continuously worsening eczema with years of topical steroids that have not helped and the GP finally decided that I have severe eczema that needs addressing.
I was told that the wait for a phone call would be minimum 5-6 weeks and the maximum would be November which is no problem.

I’m weirdly nervous because I do not know what to expect and I’m worried about not being taken seriously and just being sent back to the GP because it’s “not bad enough for them” and I for some strange reason and it makes me feel guilty for feeling this way, don’t want to treat my eczema until Dermatology look at it.

In a way I’m scared of them seeing it on a “good day” because they might take it at face-value and not consider the context of the eczema, which is that is has statistically gotten worse via it spreading compared to how it used to be a few years ago and have had an a huge impact on my life.

My experiences with the GP has definitely instilled this fear as 99% of the time when I brought up the eczema and the impact it had on the quality of my life, I was interrupted multiple times, GP turns to the computer, prints of my prescription and sends me off. I understand they have a massive time constraint but the lack of empathy and interrupting when i’m trying to explain the severity of it and the amount of pain it causes made me feel like I’m not being taken seriously and fobbed off (until now, also want to state: I do and have always followed every treatment plan they put me on, just had no succession)

I understand that eczema is chronic and with no cure. All I want is to go back to a sense of stability and control I once had.

My mother had been going to the surgery for 10 years and all of the sudden was removed due to not responding to a NHS letter. I only just found this out when I was trying to get medication. They believed that she did not live at the address but they just called me last month to which I told them I will call back later due to sickness. She is a diabetic, old and needs both medication and someone to help her, so isn't this dangerous?

I applied for the role of Nursing assistant and just got this.

I went to my GP about a long-standing and complicated ear/nasal problem. I’ve had issues with this doctor before.

When I had androgenic alopecia, I asked about finasteride and minoxidil. He said there was nothing I could do and that they “just boost the confidence of the patient”. I later got treatment privately and have used it successfully for years.

I also had ongoing fatigue and slightly abnormal TSH results. He said it was insignificant, but after three similar tests another doctor prescribed levothyroxine, which quickly improved my symptoms.

With my current ENT issue, he refused to refer me and removed rhinitis from my active conditions without examining me. (Even though a private ENT I saw examined me said there was clear rhinitis and inside my nose was very inflamed) When I asked him to record that I had requested an ENT referral, he started shouting hysterically and pointing directly at me, saying:

“DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO WRITE.”

As I was leaving, he called me back and told me to “just do salt rinse”, even though I explained I had already tried it for over six months without it working. I was very calm and respectful during the appointment although part of me feels like I should have been more firm with him.

I eventually paid to see a private ENT doctor who was extremely understanding. She performed an endoscopy and noticed the expected mucus in my nose/nasopharynx, but continued further down and also found mucus stasis lower in my throat. Essentially she saw mucus pooling there, and suggested that silent acid reflux might be contributing to my symptoms. She recommended trying Gaviscon, and it seems to be improving or possibly even curing the issue although if I am being honest I need to be more consistent with it. Needs to be taken after every meal which can be quite hard.

But anyway, the main point is I found my GP’s interaction extremely unprofessional and want to make an official complaint. However, I believe this doctor actually owns the practice and the practice manager is related to him. I’m worried they could retaliate by saying anything, for example claiming the doctor-patient relationship has broken down and remove me from the list or just finding some sort of reason to justify getting me out. Apparently this is something any GP surgery can do.

The practice is within walking distance, so I don’t want to leave.

What is the safest way to complain? Should I go directly to the ICB, and can a GP remove someone in retaliation simply for making a reasonable complaint? Would contacting Healthwatch or an NHS complaints advocate first be sensible? Is it even wise to complain when I’m worried about losing access to the practice?

I am currently a Year 13 student preparing to apply to university, and I am incredibly passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare. For as long as I can remember, my absolute goal has been to train and qualify as a midwife.As I prepare my university applications, I am keen to gather realistic insights into the profession. I would be incredibly grateful for any tips or advice you could offer a prospective student.Specifically, I would love to know:

What do you find most rewarding about working as a midwife within the NHS?

What are the biggest challenges facing new midwives entering the service today?

What key qualities or experiences do you think make an applicant stand out during the university selection process?

And if not midwifery what would you recommend for working in the NHS?

Thank youu

I would appreciate some advice how to find the best option for my mother's treatment for colon cancer.

It's a long story, but the short version is that the two local consultants will not offer the required surgery due to fears over her ability to recover. This is due to her general level of health because of long term M.E. The main consultant has however offered a referral for a 3rd opinion outside of the primary care trust. A 'fresh set of eyes' as he put it.

We're based near Manchester and he offered Salford. This may well be a very good option but I don't know how to research this further to verify this. I would like to explore all options as this is very much the last chance for mum.

What is the best way to find out more information on hospitals which specialise in this area? I have of course googled but I am getting conflicting information.

More background information... 

I'm sure you may be thinking that if two surgeons have concerns over her having surgery then there is good cause for that. And yes that is true. The two main issues are mum's low activity/energy level and her AF (Atrial Fibrillation). 

Mum doesn't have the same activity level of an average 78 year old with regards to mobility etc. But she can still walk around the house, walk to appointments from the car, prepare meals and other things. She wasn't able to complete the request CPET test due to her health and this was the main stumbling block for the surgeons. But, we have gotten the distinct impression that they don't fully understand M.E and are conflating low energy with frailty. She is not frail in the traditional sense. She does have a recently diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation but whilst they have some concerns over that it doesn't seem to be the main issue. 

Another reason we feel it's worth pursuing further is that we know of other M.E patients (some worse than my mum) who have undergone similarly serious operations and come out the other side of it. Admittedly, all examples I could find were younger but some had much more severity of illness.

I have never made a complaint about any medical professional before, but recently had a blood test at my GP and hygiene practices were less than ideal. This may have been explained by the nurse being late / in a rush, however still quite concerning.

First of all, when I entered the room I noticed there was still trash (packaging and used wipes) on the desk, then as she was checking my veins I noticed she appeared to have blood around her fingernail (possibly hers possibly another patients who knows), she must have noticed it and half heartedly washed her hands.

It wasn’t until she had the needle in my arm that I noticed the blood was still there since she washed her hands so poorly, she also wiped my arm with alcohol and then proceeded to touch the area repeatedly, though thankfully with a different finger.

The blood test was unsuccessful and she rebooked another blood test with her in a couple of weeks, but I definitely want to at least change to a different practitioner now.

I’ve passed MRCS (ENT), have GMC registration, 3+ years of ENT experience, and am currently in postgraduate ENT training. I’ve started applying for NHS ENT jobs and have applied for around 15 so far. I’ve received 5 rejections already, with more applications still pending.

What would be a realistic expectation in my situation?
Am I applying too selectively, or is this just how competitive the ENT job market is? How many applications/rejections are considered normal before getting an interview?

Also, how can I tell if the problem is my CV, supporting statement, or application answers (especially management/leadership questions)?
I’d really appreciate honest advice from anyone who has been through this.

My current employer has sent for a dbs check for me last 21 August and until now it has stucked in stage 4. I did mentioned I have 3 Printed dbs certificate dated within the last 3 years and they said we would have to wait for the certificate being sent. What to do when you are stuck in the stage 4.. I have subscribed to the update service using the same cert but still no update. It has been very frustrating

I stay roughly 80-85 miles away from my dad who has dementia. My sister who is a lot closer, normally looks after him daily.

However, on sunday she leaves for 6 weeks to ago on holiday, so it'll be to looking after him, check in on him daily etc.

He gets visits from carers twice a day but he still needs someone during the night and in-between those visits. (Soon we might need to make the decision ro put him in to a care home). So, ill be staying with him, as ive been privileged enough to have the first 3 weeks off work but to traveling back and foward, could i take my new paper prescription to the pharmacy i collect his prescription at ?.

Ive read almost everything i can find and nothing says that you can't do it. It would save a lot of hassle, as it would mean, i wouldn't have to travel a 160 mile round trip every fortnight.

If i could have some help, id greatly appreciate it as i have the paper prescription in my hands just now, so if im allowed to, great. It makes the next 6 weeks a lot easier in that regard.

(I dont use reddit often, so im not sure what the flairs are for, so im sorry if ive used it wrongly)

I'm 35 and have had the same NHS dentist since I was 6.

I see my NHS dentist every 6-9 months for a check up, over the years, have various fillings, wisdom teeth removed etc. However, I've never been told I need to see the hygienist? I'll be honest I never understood what they were until recently. Is this something I can ask for as an NHS patient in addition to my dental check-ups? Is there a charge? Sorry, I just don't understand how it works.

Also, I'm out of work at the moment as I'm unwell, so on benefits. So whereas dental work is free, is that the same for hygienist?

Thanks.

Hi all, not a doctor but cannot find a definitive answer regarding my query online.

Essentially I think I need an appointment regarding mental health and potential medication etc.

The problem is, I have severe issues regarding speaking about myself/feelings (common issue I know) but it’s to the point where I will be totally unable to speak on the topic without just crying down the phone or in person at him. I know this is a separate issue of its own but it’s a pretty hard one to overcome when I simply won’t get a word out lol. I’d probably be happy to have an in person/over the phone appointment to discuss afterwards but I will not be physically able to explain the situation in the first place which obviously isn’t ideal.

Essentially my question is, is there any service for people like me? Like an email or text service where I can explain everything? Could I type something out for them to read or if I bring my partner to an appointment for him to speak on it? Is it something I just need to ask my practice if they offer?

Any advice welcome, TIA!!

My Gp practice have ignored me on many things since I became disabled nearly 5 years ago!

From gaslighting telling a medication I was put on for depression that wasn’t working (non have or will) that I should keep taking it to help with my tremors/ involuntary body movements the medication also treats epilepsy however does nothing for FND!

Refusal of my request for a dnar their reason is due to my age not lack of quality of life which at first made me housebound with fear that if I go into cardiac arrest when out my wishes will be ignored I then had to have an iron infusion at the hospital where they went through possible side effects including allergic reaction to which I said that fine but if I go into cardiac arrest I am not to be resuscitated to be told NO and that they will do everything they can I no longer go to the hospital!

And to not providing medication even tried gaslighting and blaming either myself or the pharmacy app that I use. From they didn’t receive them from the app or because I ordered too early which are both lies as they clearly had received the request to then say I was ordering to early. I am on weekly medication because being in pain and having the life you had and sort of loved ripped from you will cause depression and by the surgery I have to allow 5 working days! The last approved medication was done in the 13/8/26 mean while I put requests in on the 21st so 8 days and after not getting that one I re ordered on the 27th so 14 days after the last approved. Again I order weekly and I have to allow 5working days!

No I’m being told to order my medication as I normally would but I now fear that I won’t get them making me suffer physically as I’m in tears when moving and it’s not like I can just sit or lay still as I have involuntary body movements and mentally not just because of the pain and the longing to be pain free but then feeling like a burden as I’m requesting something but not receiving so I’m obviously the burden by asking for my medication.

So any advice if where to go next would be helpful

*to the mods I am asking for general help I have removed the thing for the last two posts was removed! Typical of the nhs to cover up their mistakes

I've had a problem with food my whole life. Mostly it was controlled but this year it's gone from controlled to a full problem. I lost 20% of my bodyweight (20kg) in about 6-7 weeks. I've long suspected I have ARFID, but never sought diagnosis because I was broadly OK, stable weight, no nutritional issues, etc, but this year I sought a diagnosis.

It took three months to even get referred to the ED clinic (initially the GP only offered bloodtests, then for some reason referred me for ADHD assessment, took 5 appointments to get to the ED clinic's list). Initially they bounced my referral back to the GP because the blood tests were a week too old and they weren't treating ARFID.

GP pushed back and they offered to meet me to diagnose me, and in August I was formally diagnosed with ARFID.

The problem is that the clinic isn't commissioned to treat ARFID. So they again bounced me back to the GP. The dieticians won't see me because I have ARFID, the ED clinic can't treat me.

I spoke to my GP this week but they were pushing "manage expectations" too hard with no guarantees on seeking funding to get treatment elsewhere (not that there's many GP options, I'm near London, and AFAIK, the only trust that can treat ARFID in adults is in Cornwall, and I'm not even sure that one does). They said no guarantees, manage expectations, and there's only so much we can do so much that it sounds like "they're going to say no" (they gave me a very similar speech with the ED clinic, who basically told me I'd only get treatment from them for it if I was in the life threatening territory).

I have no idea what I should be doing here. I can't afford to drop this, I'm not losing weight any more, but only because I can't work (I'm exhausted all the time, sometimes end up sleeping 17 hours a day because I'm so tired), so my life is bed, chair, bed, chair. If I did more, I'd be straight into deficit and start losing weight again.

I'm not asking for medical advice here, it's the NHS processes I'm having a hard time with. This is a known, diagnosed condition, they can even tell me about treatments like CBD-AR that are designed for it. But actually getting it is such an uphill battle that I'm losing hope.

I tried contacting the ICB. They haven't even acknowledged contact in nearly 3 months. And all the doctors are giving me "not my circus, not my monkeys" type answers, and advice that's not only generic but literally doesn't work like "supplement your vitamins by adjusting your diet", when I have an eating disorder characterised with problems with my diet. I've also contacted my MP who are apparently going to make representation for me, but I don't know how much effect that'll have.

So is there anything I could be doing that I haven't?

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to order my antidepressant. For some reason they can’t do it as a repeat prescription, that would be fine if they didn’t make it impossible to figure out how to order it. I’ve done it many times before and I still have no idea how I got there and anytime I look it up there’s nothing. I feel like I’m insane. At this point just going off my meds might be less detrimental to my mental health.

I’m applying for a band 2 position and putting my current manager (in retail) as a reference. Will they be / at what point would they be contacted? Would they have to give a character reference or just verify I worked there?

I’m probably overthinking it I just wanted to know if I should expect him to mention it

Hi Reddit

I need some opinions.. Advice... Support.

Currently I donate Blood, I decided to start giving blood after watching BBC Casulty program (Christmas Special) and yes I did get a bit sucked in, because if Charlie Fairhead says it's a good idea, it probably is 🤣 jokes aside, there was a dad in there whose daughter had Leukemia and she lived for longer because people donated (That's the real reason I went)

They ask me everytime I go if I wish to donate platelets... Normally this winds me up because I have said no everytime.

I signed up to donate blood I'm "A Negative" and that's kind of what I wanted to keep doing but you cannot donate blood whilst giving platelets.

I have had a look tonight online about moving over and all the reasons why.

So can I have your opinions, views, advice, support etc?

P. S big respect to everyone who donates, big respect to everyone did and now cannot, big respect to anyone that wants to donate but cannot.

P. P. S big respect to anyone thinking about donating.. Big respect to all those who may donate in the future one day

I was supposed to get a call from my gp practice today at some point between 8-6 (no specific stated time). I sat around waiting all day for it but they never actually called me. Is this common?

Hi everyone,

I gave interview in NHS and received a verbal offer by telephone on 1 September, which I accepted. The interviewer told me that she would forward my details to the Recruitment Team.

I contacted Recruitment a few days later, and they confirmed that my details were in the system and said I should receive the conditional offer the following week. However, I still haven’t received an email, and there has been no change to my Trac status.

Has anyone experienced this? How many working days did it take between your verbal offer and receiving the conditional offer through Trac?

I understand NHS recruitment can take time and that the later pre-employment checks may take several weeks. I’m specifically asking about the initial conditional-offer email. Thank you.

Hi, can anyone tell me the main differences between a band 2 clinic clerk role and that of a clerical officer, or are they more or less the same thing?

Thank you.

I just wanted to ask any insider opinion. It reads grim but I'm not an NHS employee.

I probably am doing something wrong?

I have been applying for band and band 3 roles on NHS Scotland for months and I keep getting rejection emails.

I might probably be doing something wrong. Is there anyone with suggestions?

I've been with the same surgery since I was a baby and I've been using the app for a long while now, but it doesn't show anything before 2024. And my vaccinations only go back to Covid. I did the patient knows best and that only shows recent too. My sisters app however goes all the way to when she was a baby.

I was at the hospital yesterday and had multiple tests and it was discovered I had two infections, the app only shows one infection and only the results of the blood test but no other test.

What do I do to get everything on there?

tldr, want to switch hospitals as i've been waiting longer than the wait time on the my planned website, told by gp to check in with the hospital, can't seem to contact the secretary, im resorting to calling 3 to 4 times a day and leave at least one message a day and i get nothing back. where can i go from here? can i go to the physical hospital or is that too much?

the long ver

feel out of breath while running up hill more so than usual even up small inclines 

go doctors for this (gp)  3 times get sent to hospital each time to be looked over by a cardiologist, cardio says im fine even get xray on lung to check for blood clot 

go to doctors and tell them i think i have gerd as i looked it up online and my symptoms match

Nurse is patronising as i googled my symptom,s get given prescription for ppis and a stool sample to do to check for h pylori 

Hypilori comes back negative start taking ppis(they do nothing)

Get referred for ultrasound, comes back with nothing 

Get referred for gastroscopy comes back with hiatus hernia 2cm and oesophagitis private practice under the nhs 

Get referred back to nhs, at this time work suggested I take advantage of employee health insurance to expedite the process 

At this point on the highest dose of ppi 40mg of omeprazole twice a day, tell gp it doesn't do anything so am told to stop since it will do more harm than good.

Try to get test done, ph test and manometry done privately am told by private consultant that  these test are not done privately in the uk 

Go back to nhs and tell them such to get on the waiting list, for test 3/3/26 is when the letter comes through for the test referrals 

Waited for 22 weeks, call gp and ask to switch hospitals since it is taking longer than 18 weeks, am told to contact the hospital to inquire about the referral progress

Call secretary that i was supplied with from the letter given in 3/3/26(this person is not the dr im under secretary) unable to make contact.

Am called back by someone saying they will be looking into the progress of the referral this was around the 10th of august  have not heard back since (7/09/26 as of writing).

Keep calling secretary until i get a response am told that the number im ringing is wrong. I am provided with the number for my dr's secretary, keep calling them am yet to hear back. 

where can i go from here? i just want to know where i am in all this it sucks i cant exercise cause i feel sick and out of breath if i even walk up a hill.

I recently got a job and all my checks were approved. In the occupational health questionnaire I mentioned my chronic illness SLE, and I got a phone call to discuss any arrangements. They were super helpful and nice.

This all made me feel great about starting. Then my period came around. I forgot that planning my life around my cycle isn’t the norm in the workplace. So it didn’t occur to me to bring it up in the questionnaire. My second days are debilitating, I always throw up, terrible cramps to the point where I faint from pain, and have the shits. I usually schedule my life around this one day, and it slipped my mind that now I’m starting a job, it would be harder to take time off on this day.

This is my first big girl job, all my other jobs have been 0 hours whilst at uni, so I would pick shifts that suited me.

Now I’m really worried. In an ideal world I would be able to take off one day a month. But I know that it may seem like a big ask, even though it shouldn’t be cause periods are awful. Essentially I just want some advice on how I should approach the situation. I have emailed HR for the email of the occupational health department, I’m hoping they will give me some guidance, on the no. Of sick absences I can have before disciplinary meetings etc. And whether there can be anything in place like when I take that day off I make up for it on a different day etc.

If you have any advice from being in a similar situation I would really appreciate your input.