missing records

[silkcut]

(OR...what else do you do with £3billion?)

I just heard that somehow or other the hospital has lost/mislaid the ct scan they did when I had the stroke-like event.

First of all they tried to tell me that they routinely scrapped all records older than 7 years (yet this was well within that time), so they had probably 'routinely' scrapped my scan.

All things considered, chronic runarounds included, this seems to be extremely suspicious.

What would you folks think?

samxx

PS £3billion is the yearly budget for the health service's defending-the-indefensible department.

[silkcut]

Thanks for your interesting observations and experiences...really useful to keep my feet on the ground.

Yes, it's no wonder that records do go astray. It's just so easy to mislay folders and bits of paper with the best will in the world.

And then...on the other hand, well, you do know in your gut when you're being jerked around, don't you? I wrote and asked the records lady to tell me if my scan was lost or destroyed. There are definite implications either way. And either way, I've found out that they have a duty of care to keep all records safe/secure until you've popped your clogs.  So the records lady wasn't exactly telling me the truth from the outset (we scrap all records after seven years...WHAT RUBBISH!!). I've had no response to that question, a week ago.

I really am at a loss as to why your records, Kristin, would cost so much to collect in person. There's no logic at all in that. Did you ever find out?

samxx

[kris_tin29]

Theresa-I switched Doctors this summer.  my new doc requested my records from my old Doc weeks before my appt.  When the day before appt day came, they still did not have my records ( old dr office had neglected to send them).  so my new dr office called and asked if I would mind to just go ahead and pick up the records-she really needed them because she thought I may have celiac's and wanted to see what bw had already been done.  I called and was told I could come and get them but it would cost $25!!!!  If I waited and they mailed them, it would be free.  I was like, WHAT????  If you mail them, you have to pay postage and if I pick them up, it'd be MORE convenient for you.  why would you charge me?  We went around and around for 20 minutes and I even spoke with another person.  No luck-they flat out refused even after I explained that my Dr had asked me to get these becasue she really needed them.

Sorry for the rant-this post just brought it out in me!!  I get so frustrated!!

[OMGWHATNow2]

Hi

I work for a large mental health agency. Something is lost almost every day. Most of the time it is found- but sometimes not. I keep asking about the ghost in the ceiling but we've never seen him. If I ever figure out how it happens I'll let you know. There are so many people with their hands in everything it is hard to control. Not an excuse- just the way of the world. It actually makes me very angry when it is something important- and it always is.

[silkcut]

Thanks everyone...you're so supportive...you know, you know! It's all beyond belief isn't it?

Today I have been pinging emails back and forth with the dept who last saw the scans. I have to say it was rather like pulling hen's teeth trying to get the simplest of information.

It's no wonder they get people complaining - they create it all themselves and they don't take any responsibility at all for anything, as Tingly says. It's so silly.

(and btw - I have challenged them - uh - quite a lot...;-O

[Tingletoes]

To me, this is just yet another example of the total administrative incompetance that runs through all large institutions these days  - errors are rife in insurance companies, NHS (was recently sent to wrong hospital), Child Support Agency, in my view caused by incompetance and lack of accountability. Suspicious? That depends on how much you have challenged them to date......   I would put in a complaint for sure and demand an explanation.
So sorry this has had to happen to you now at such a critical time.
hugs xxxx

[illinwithoutacause]

hi sam,

i do agree with you about the "system" as it pertains to healthcare and beyond.  in my experience, injustices like this are allowed to continue because people are afraid to challenge them and demand more.

and those who do are stigmatized as radicals or some other such nonsense.

i can't stand that this is happening to you.

binx

[silkcut]

Email today: "Dear Mrs Sam, Unfortunately your films from 2004 are no longer unavailable, despite searches at our secondary storage...."

The law and the NHS patient records system require that all records must be kept until death and beyond.

In view of all the circs, 'unavailable' is unacceptable isn't it? There's not even an explanation as to why these scans are not available.  

I wonder if these people have any idea of how they actually create anxiety/anger/alienated patients?

BTW, Theresa - we have to pay a £10 'admin fee' and 20pence/sheet for our records. We've already paid the requisite £15.00 for this 'unavailable'  scan. (That's what? About $25??) It's plainly outrageous.

I think we're dealing with folks who long ago lost sight of principles. And you know, binx, if you think about it, there is no 'system' except that which people build and allow to continue...for instance, someone, somewhere must have made the decision to destroy or make 'unavailable' this scan!

Why...?

samxx

[StormyRenee]

Sam,

More run around B.S!
I agree with Binx about the a$$ covering......

Listen to this garbage.....
I called my old rheumy to get a copy of my records and they want to charge me .50 cents per page...I have never heard of such a thing...If a doctor requests them they are free but they want to charge me for my own med records...It's just the principle of the thing....

The system can $uck it....

xxxxTheresa

[illinwithoutacause]

dear sam,

as i tend to have an overly suspicious mind when it comes to such matters, it sounds as if someone may be trying to cover his/her you-know-what.

i hope i am wrong.  it makes me nauseous to think of you being further victimized by the system.

xox
binx