Nurses trying to do what they do with systems getting in the way.
February last year wasted according to the world health organisation after an independent review. Calls for a new system, one based on safety, in preparation for the next pandemic.
Safety for health professionals would be a start.
I looked at my diary from last year. How we waved to people on balconies, how our neighbours gave us some cake, how I had a headache all day. I wrote about being tearful and noted my jump reflex super pronounced and then I think of the people in those videos, three generations of refugees and people who have lost all those closest to them. Health care professionals prevented from doing their job.
The medication review with the pharmacist went well. Highlighted difficulties that had previously gone unnoticed. I tipped the three bags of medications out, noticed how chaotic their removal from packages seemed to be. Tried to reassure. It’s ok anyone would be confused with this lot. Hopefully we have found a safer way forward.
“Yes but when should I order them?”. Note the date for when there should be more. Not enough of some, literally hundreds of others. She tells me how she knows what she’s doing, what each one is for… “except for these and these.” “So when should I take those..oh…” It feels like a muddle, now I’m confused. Neither of us know what she needs to take. The pharmacy list adding to confusion, no clear idea of what she needs to take and when. I’m so grateful for the pharmacist’s help, she goes off to seek some answers it feels like a mess.
We’re waiting for a call back. The call back came after I chased it. The Nurse from the surgery will ring tomorrow.
As I reflect on how she stood waiting to discuss it at Boots. Several things struck me.
How many people are home alone in this situation?
1. If I hadn’t been there she wouldn’t have been seen for the appointment I’d made as the issues were side tracked into something else. Had to clarify why we were there. Had to step in. What about those people who don’t have anyone? Like she hasn’t for years. Like only last month when she wouldn’t stand to queue and I let it go. Different now, moving at the speed of trust. Some days better than others.
2. She wouldn’t have got as far as the counter because she was put off by going into a private room (potentially retraumatising, something I’ve both read about and heard people say before.)
3. She finds queueing a challenge so would have put it off, didn’t feel there was much of a problem. Unperturbed by the mounting medications…New symptoms because of the + or – medication, something else? Has she mentioned them to anyone else?
4. A follow up conversation about today’s medication leads me to believe she still hasn’t understood what she needs to take and when. Just knows the date of when she needs to get more, no apparent understanding that that only needs to happen if she’s taken them as prescribed and is therefore running low. “Yes but when should I order them”. Has no one noticed this before? I haven’t.
5. Is this how it’s been since her partner died? Before? I’m thankful for the pharmacists understanding.
I’m reminded of someone we supported, confided they felt suicidal. During our conversation I found out that he hadn’t been able to access his medication for months. A mix up between pharmacy and surgery that he’d been unable to resolve, a support group he couldn’t get to because of lack of transport. How depressed he was, until it all came pouring out in group.
Systems need to change to support people adequately. It’s life and death.
Did you read about aporophobia? That needs to change. We need services that are streamlined, person led. Inclusive, just health care for all.