Episode Summary
I got another letter from the NHS about the treatment they have promised me. In this episode I share my thoughts on the letter and its implications for me and for society as a whole. We have a VERY big problem looming on the horizon….!
Episode Show Notes
00:10 – In Episode 063 I shared how the NHS had got in touch to update me on the (lack of) progress on my treatment.
00:52 – The NHS response to my challenges was a flurry of activity over 48 days to tell me I wouldn’t receive any treatment for 216 days (6 letters, 3 e mails, 2 face to face sessions and 3 telephone calls with 5 different health practitioners).
01:18 – Today I received another letter from the NHS updating me on the (lack of) progress on me getting any treatment.
Once again, we apologise for the length of time you have been waiting to access our service.
We’d like to reassure you that you are working your way up the waiting list and we will contact you as soon as you reach the top.
Alternatively, if you decide you do not wish to continue with our service, please call the number above so we may discharge you.
Should you feel the need immediate support, in surgery hours, you can contact your GP. At all other times the out of hours GP service via NHS 111, or the Samaritans.
Yours sincerely
Not Signed To Avoid Delay
02:02 – How I feel about this letter.
02:20 – I feel it is an insult this letter is not signed by a person. It makes me feel I am just a Number in a system that provides impersonal service and doesn’t make anyone individually accountable for the support I need.
03:15 – I am lucky that I have been able to be proactive in taking charge of my recovery in absence of any support from the NHS. I worry about those who might feel less able to do the same.
03:39 – The NHS is a flawed system managed and funded by a political system focused on the short term benefits to those in power (votes) rather than the longer term benefits of creating a sustainable health care system with appropriate access to relevant and effective treatment options.
05:02 – In my opinion, education is probably the thing that can inoculate us against the problems of mental health AND provide us with an understanding of what we can do if we do begin to struggle.
05:27 – We have a huge mental health crisis looming on the horizon (if indeed it isn’t already here) fuelled by social media.
