Kings Mill Hospital in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire had a referral for me, from my GP, in October 2021. I have managed to get through today for the first time in 6 months of calling, only to be told the team are not yet looking at October 2021 referrals and would be another three months at least for an appointment.
I was then put through to the complaints team. I explained my diabetes was out of control due to my other illnesses. I told him I was not just concerned about me but all the other people awaiting a response, the call handler clearly responded that my case is not urgent.
With blood sugars going from 3mml to 33mml I beg to differ. The neuropathic pain gives a different story as does the pain management consultant.
I asked the call handler if he was clinically trained, he said no. I pointed out,that, then he was not qualified to give a opinion or make a decision and asked him why he had. He fumbled a vague answer without actually answering.
I explained that I had been referred to Kingsmill due to chesterfield Royal Hospital letting my brother down and likely being complicit in the events leading to his death due to diabetes. I also pointed out that I too had been let down before and after Robert died, by the staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital diabetes team which is why I was being referred to Kingsmill.
He then offered the ‘options’, I could make a complaint ‘or’ (not and) get an faster appointment.
I again pointed out that yes I need an appointment but so do all the others referred 6 months or more ago that have had no response.
He did not it seems understand this.
At the beginning of the call I advised I was recording the call, as my brain fog often leaves me forgetful of points.
I am beyond frustrated that despite the death of my brother and countless others, despite the massively life changing effects to the detrement of those with diabetes, that people continue to be so let down.
Diabetes is but one major cause of death in the UK, however, it also likely is the major cause of amputation, it is a serious cause of blindness, kidney disease, depression, anxiety, along with other mental health problems that people have to live with.
No one should be let down by the health service at all, this is the 21st Century and medicine could easily deal with so many health issues, disease, disability, it does not however, not due to lack of ability, but to lack of resources caused by greed and enforced poverty.
We sit here worrying about wars in other areas in the world but accept the symptomatic death and suffering caused by consecutive British governments since and before WWII.
Again there are many other areas of medicine including cancer and heart disease that people, ourselves, our friends and to many, more importantly our family are being sacrificed upon the excuses of lack of resources but the reality of greed and corruption.
People may say diabetes, cancer or heart disease (along with all the other diseases, conditions and disabilities) are not political, my answer is ‘bullshit’, politics causes and sustains poverty, and poverty is the biggest cause of all chronic ill health.
This needs to change now and stop the government’s privatisation agenda in its tracks.
People must come before the Conservatives profiteering.
PEOPLE ARE DYING, WE ARE DYING!