WE ALL read on a daily basis about how the NHS is on it's knees, well if my own experience is anything to go by I am not surprised. 

I must say I have nothing but admiration for the NHS, but their systems are such that they just leak money.

Four years ago I was told by the orthopaedic department at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital that I had a trapped nerve in my shoulder which was affecting the two outside fingers on my right hand, however at the time it was felt that the symptoms were such that it was liveable with, and I was told to make a further appointment if the symptoms got worse. 

About a year ago I went to my GP as my symptoms were now affecting my right arm, and in my simplistic view thought I would be sent for a x-ray or MRI scan and referred back to the orthopaedic outpatients team. No, I was referred to a physio team, who then referred me to a clinician where I had neck and shoulder massage and manipulation, so after waiting some considerable time, I had four weekly sessions. It was agreed that this was achieving nothing and was therefore told I was being referred for an x-ray. I was told I could discuss matters further as I had been sent an appointment in July for the MSK team and this morning I was sent a text asking me for future reference, if I wanted a face to face appointment somewhere else, waiting time 16 weeks or a telephone appointment with a practitioner with a waiting time of four weeks, both of which I was told had the experience to help me. 

All this has taken almost a year and I am no further forward and I am totally confused.

All these appointments are taking up resources and money to achieve what, at this stage, nothing. 

Perhaps someone could explain to me why I am a party to draining resources in the NHS when at the very beginning I could have been sent for an x-ray and actually seen someone who could help me!

Suzanne Wilson

Old Basing

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