A big thumbs up for the NHS ! - Kent

[chelseauk]

I thought i'd share a really positive experience with you all.

At the begining of this summer i was referred to our local NHS with suspected SA. I have Bupa cover via work - but they wont touch it !

My first appointment wasn't good - it was fast - about 2 weeks - but the NHS self service online system just picks the next available consultant - so i got to see a diabetics expert ! She refered me on.

Anyway i then get a letter asking me to have a sleep test whilst on holiday ! So i couldn't make that (this was for August) - so i rearranged for september - they were rather sorry but they only had two machines !

Then i get a letter for the consultant visit on the day after the home sleep test. So in mid september i had a sleep test and the next day i got the results from the consultant. Who was really helpful and kind ! Thankyou Dr
Prathibha.

Results were not good - so I was put on priority and today i picked up the machine today (Remstar Auto M Series with C-Flex and a comfort full mask) (about 4 weeks after the appointment).

All in all fantastic - so well done our much maligned NHS.

So a big thanks to all at the William Harvey Ashford especially Amanda the technician !

[Joe McManus]

Very happy to hear a success story like that. The NHS is an easy victim though it's ultimately the government who runs it. Sounds like Kent does recognize sleep apnoea syndrome as a real issue, backing it up with funds, expertise and resources. Good for you mate!

Now the exciting part though, putting it all on and going to sleep.

To ease a new user into mental acceptance, I often hear the tip of putting your gear on well before going to bed. Like when watching TV or reading a book, even if you sit upright. That way it becomes 'normal' faster.

Keep us posted on the progress. It's probably fair to expect a few niggles along the way, especially in the early days, but with the supplier telephone number at hand and us here in the forums you will have moral and practical support along the way, whenever you need it.

Sleep well and be rested!

[katiemcewan]

That's nice of you to say thanks. My friend is a nurse at an NHS hospital and they're udner quite some pressure. Their hard graft isn't always appreciated. Your appreciation would mean a lot to people like her.