? the answer

[Sqad]

Many people ask as to why people come onto AB with their medical problems instead of phoning NHS direct.

Might this be ONE of the reasons?

http://www.dailymail....DVT-fobbed-nurse.html

[NazNomad]

No, I doubt that's one of the reasons.

[bednobs]

unlikely seeing as that was at a walk in centre, not nhs direct.
Personally i think people don't phone nhs direct for the minor stuff they come on here for is because they "don't want to bother" medical serivces

[boxtops]

I don't think so. That was one nurse who made a fundamental error, but sadly it happens. It says the patient already felt she knew what the matter was, why didn't she ask for a second opinion (or go to A&E if she really thought she had a DVT)?

[MickyMacgraw]

I would have thought the main reason would be because people are already online and get a rough diagnosis and maybe peace of mind as well as some nice comments from wellwishers and friends.

[Sqad]

But the "nurse" didnt use her "nursing skills" she brought up a page on her PC ( the wrong page as it happened) and filled in the squares to make her incorrect and fatal diagnosis.

So...............why have a nurse?

[NazNomad]

That's a different question ;-P

[MickyMacgraw]

Sqad can I ask you a question, are you an online doctor yourself as I've seen you answer quite a few questions with advice that only those in the medical field would have an extensive knowledge of.

[boxtops]

Indeed - and the new replacement for NHS Direct proposes not to have nurse practitioners on the phones.

PS I was in Manchester on Thursday, I didn't see you... ;-(

[Sqad]

boxy....now you tell me ;-)

[Sqad]

Mickey....you can......and I am...........although many ABers would dispute this ;-)

Boxy....so will non medically people be "manning" the new NHS direct and if so then that is another reason for coming on AB.

[carmalee]

I come on here for the odd ailment cos I like to have a 'collective opinion' and in particular I value sqad's approach - however, I still make my own decision as to whether or not I get a 2nd opinion.

[MickyMacgraw]

Aha that would now explain your appearance on some of the threads I've replied on, either way it's good to have you here.

[Sqad]

There are many peoples opinion on AB that I would value far more than any NHS direct.....e,g boxtop, marmylane, redcrx, york, lazygun, the prof, bednobs, a urological nurse (cant remember her name) and many others and yet people still ask "why come onto AB with your medical problems.

[boxtops]

sqad, here's info

"Call Advisers supported by experienced nurses" ......... http://www.dh.gov.uk/...ntre/FAQ/DH_119189#_5

[Sqad]

mickey

<<< with advice that only those in the medical field would have an extensive knowledge of.<<<

Go easy on the "extensive knowledge" phrase....LOL

[carmalee]

in answer to sqads latest post - I rest my case

[bednobs]

ok but questions like "i've had back pain for 20 years - what could it be" (abount 2 weeks ago) do prompt me to think "why not go to your gp?" Questions like "it's 2 am and my child has a rash" make me think "why not call nhs direct"

[Sqad]

boxy........"highly trained call advisers"..........................?????

[boxtops]

bednobs, indeed and I agree - there are times when you can think and muse, and times when you need to act, not pither about typing! I do think shared experiences can help though, even if only for reassurance sometimes - and there are enough of us who've had some of the illnesses or conditions that certainly don't mind sharing, or who know a bit about the clinical side.

[MickyMacgraw]

Ok sqad, a modest understanding of first aid and basic medical procedures? :)