another flu vaccination thread on gransnet

[Vicky Ayech]

These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

[DavidK]

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

I had mine this afternoon. Some years ago i mentioned to my doctor that
I had had it at my local supermarket the previous year (using a voucher
from work) and he said he would prefer that I had it at the surgery
because they have a quota to fill. My surgery has a web page one can use
to ask non-urgent questions so I used it to say that I saw their flu-jab
clinics were all on Saturdays I couldn't make and would they prefer I
had it via a normal appointment or I used the local supermarket. They
phoned back the next day and gave me an appointment.

I turned up 10 minutes early and they weren't admitting people to the
waiting room but asked me to wait outside under cover (if I had parked
in their car-park I could have given my registration and waited there).
Slightly late, the nurse came out to fetch me, gave me the jab in the
normal way and let me out by her emergency exit. It all worked fine.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by DavidK
I turned up 10 minutes early and they weren't admitting people to the
waiting room but asked me to wait outside under cover (if I had parked
in their car-park I could have given my registration and waited there).
Slightly late, the nurse came out to fetch me, gave me the jab in the
normal way and let me out by her emergency exit. It all worked fine.

Things will slow down as time moves on.
In cold (& wet?) weather, people who have to stand around in the car
park waiting to be called in. are going to be wearing several layers of
clothing.
Unless the needle is really long, those extra layers will have to be
removed.

[Anne B]

Post by DavidK

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

I had mine this afternoon. Some years ago i mentioned to my doctor that
I had had it at my local supermarket the previous year (using a voucher
from work) and he said he would prefer that I had it at the surgery
because they have a quota to fill. My surgery has a web page one can use
to ask non-urgent questions so I used it to say that I saw their flu-jab
clinics were all on Saturdays I couldn't make and would they prefer I
had it via a normal appointment or I used the local supermarket. They
phoned back the next day and gave me an appointment.
I turned up 10 minutes early and they weren't admitting people to the
waiting room but asked me to wait outside under cover (if I had parked
in their car-park I could have given my registration and waited there).
Slightly late, the nurse came out to fetch me, gave me the jab in the
normal way and let me out by her emergency exit. It all worked fine.

Our surgery insisted on holding flu jab clinic on Saturdays, when I am
usually otherwise occupied. However they wer always willing to make a
weekday appintment.

This year the flu vaccinations are being done centrally. It was a
Tuesday and they used the village hall and it worked fine - no queues
and no delays. But that wasn't surprising because I got the letter
summoning me on Tuesday morning when I arrived home at 5 pm on the
Monday, and several neighbours' letters arrived after the times of their
appointments!

Anne B

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Anne B
Our surgery insisted on holding flu jab clinic on Saturdays, when I am
usually otherwise occupied. However they were always willing to make a
weekday appointment.

Wofe & I now have appointments. Saturday. <sigh>

[Steve Hague]

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

It must differ throughout the country. I was able to arrange for mine to
be done at the local pharmacy within a few days. I went into a side room
and had the jab, and that's it till next year. I had to stand in a queue
of three for less than five minutes.
Steve

[Peter Withey]

On Tue, 13 Oct 2020 10:23:53 +0100, Steve Hague

Post by Steve Hague

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

It must differ throughout the country. I was able to arrange for mine to
be done at the local pharmacy within a few days. I went into a side room
and had the jab, and that's it till next year. I had to stand in a queue
of three for less than five minutes.
Steve

That's how it worked for me. There is a pharmacy (Day Lewis) in the
same building as the surgery. Phoned them up, arranged an appointment
for the following day (just lucky, I guess). When I arrived, no
waiting, into their consulting room had the jab and was on my way home
within five minutes.

[Clive Arthur]

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

Had mine about three weeks ago, they said 11-12 Saturday morning in the
surgery car park, I wandered round there for 11 expecting a queue, but
they'd obviously been doing it earlier. No queue, in and out in
minutes, very efficient.

Last year they mailed me twice to make an appointment, but when I phoned
they had no juice left, so I went to Boots.

[Vicky Ayech]

On Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:38:36 +0100, Clive Arthur

Post by Clive Arthur

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

Had mine about three weeks ago, they said 11-12 Saturday morning in the
surgery car park, I wandered round there for 11 expecting a queue, but
they'd obviously been doing it earlier. No queue, in and out in
minutes, very efficient.
Last year they mailed me twice to make an appointment, but when I phoned
they had no juice left, so I went to Boots.

I went to the dentist on Monday and had to have my temperature taken
on entry to the receptionarea and clean my hands with gel and wear a
mask. Then I was allowed to wait inthe waiting room. The dentist was
masked but obviously I had to take my mask off for him to look at my
teeth.

He then explained some stuff and I had huge difficulty getting all the
details. His maks changed the sound, together with my hearing aids. I
did get things repeated but was left very uncomfortable. I have to go
again next week for a long visit and apparently there are no toilet
facilities for patients now there!

And if the procedure does not work the next step would be an
extraction. They can't do root canal and crowns. And for me extraction
means a hospital visit as I take Alendronate which hardens teeth. He
said the waiting list is very long for a hospital visit so if I am in
pain and discomfort, tough luck.

I am on maximum paracetamol and ibuprofen anyway, as I take them for
arthritis, but was in pain too before I visited. The appointment next
week was booked 5 weeks ago after a check up. Monday was an emergency
visit. Of course while at the dentist on Monday the tooth didn't
actually hurt! The reception said he'd do the procedure then but as
it didn't hurt he said no, next week. The GP is worse though.

[Sid Nuncius]

Post by Vicky Ayech
On Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:38:36 +0100, Clive Arthur

Post by Clive Arthur

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

Had mine about three weeks ago, they said 11-12 Saturday morning in the
surgery car park, I wandered round there for 11 expecting a queue, but
they'd obviously been doing it earlier. No queue, in and out in
minutes, very efficient.
Last year they mailed me twice to make an appointment, but when I phoned
they had no juice left, so I went to Boots.

I went to the dentist on Monday and had to have my temperature taken
on entry to the receptionarea and clean my hands with gel and wear a
mask. Then I was allowed to wait inthe waiting room. The dentist was
masked but obviously I had to take my mask off for him to look at my
teeth.
He then explained some stuff and I had huge difficulty getting all the
details. His maks changed the sound, together with my hearing aids. I
did get things repeated but was left very uncomfortable. I have to go
again next week for a long visit and apparently there are no toilet
facilities for patients now there!
And if the procedure does not work the next step would be an
extraction. They can't do root canal and crowns. And for me extraction
means a hospital visit as I take Alendronate which hardens teeth. He
said the waiting list is very long for a hospital visit so if I am in
pain and discomfort, tough luck.
I am on maximum paracetamol and ibuprofen anyway, as I take them for
arthritis, but was in pain too before I visited. The appointment next
week was booked 5 weeks ago after a check up. Monday was an emergency
visit. Of course while at the dentist on Monday the tooth didn't
actually hurt! The reception said he'd do the procedure then but as
it didn't hurt he said no, next week. The GP is worse though.

Big sympathy from me! I really hope it works and sorts the problem out.

I'm due back at the Dental Hospital in early November for a follow-up
appointment. I'm not expecting it to happen; a phone call at best, I'd
imagine. As there's no great problem at the moment it's probably best
for me that way, but I really feel for anyone who is in dental pain at
the moment.

[Kate B]

Post by Vicky Ayech
On Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:38:36 +0100, Clive Arthur

Post by Clive Arthur

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

Had mine about three weeks ago, they said 11-12 Saturday morning in the
surgery car park, I wandered round there for 11 expecting a queue, but
they'd obviously been doing it earlier. No queue, in and out in
minutes, very efficient.
Last year they mailed me twice to make an appointment, but when I phoned
they had no juice left, so I went to Boots.

I went to the dentist on Monday and had to have my temperature taken
on entry to the receptionarea and clean my hands with gel and wear a
mask. Then I was allowed to wait inthe waiting room. The dentist was
masked but obviously I had to take my mask off for him to look at my
teeth.
He then explained some stuff and I had huge difficulty getting all the
details. His maks changed the sound, together with my hearing aids. I
did get things repeated but was left very uncomfortable. I have to go
again next week for a long visit and apparently there are no toilet
facilities for patients now there!
And if the procedure does not work the next step would be an
extraction. They can't do root canal and crowns. And for me extraction
means a hospital visit as I take Alendronate which hardens teeth. He
said the waiting list is very long for a hospital visit so if I am in
pain and discomfort, tough luck.
I am on maximum paracetamol and ibuprofen anyway, as I take them for
arthritis, but was in pain too before I visited. The appointment next
week was booked 5 weeks ago after a check up. Monday was an emergency
visit. Of course while at the dentist on Monday the tooth didn't
actually hurt! The reception said he'd do the procedure then but as
it didn't hurt he said no, next week. The GP is worse though.

Poor Vicky, that sounds awful. But is there another better-equipped
dentist nearby? A couple of months ago my dentist, who was finally
seeing people, identified a collapsing bridge and a front tooth that
needed filling. But his surgery is too small to cope with aerosol
control, so he couldn't use any of the usual waterdrills - he filled the
front tooth using an old-fashioned drill (took me back where I ddin't
want to go!), and told me I needed a new bridge which he couldn't do. He
referred me to a practice a little further away who are state of the art
- they have air-scrubbers and all sorts of very sophisticated hygiene
protocols (and they have patient loos!) and they have been very good.
Can you ask yours for a referral which would mean you didn't have to go
to hospital?

[Vicky Ayech]

Post by Kate B

Post by Vicky Ayech
On Wed, 14 Oct 2020 15:38:36 +0100, Clive Arthur

Post by Clive Arthur

Post by Vicky Ayech
These grans are not happy
https://www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1285806-DH-tried-to-get-a-flu-jab?utm_source=newsletter_gransnetdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12/10/2020&utm_term=%22The+government%27s+announcement+-+thoughts%3F%22

Had mine about three weeks ago, they said 11-12 Saturday morning in the
surgery car park, I wandered round there for 11 expecting a queue, but
they'd obviously been doing it earlier. No queue, in and out in
minutes, very efficient.
Last year they mailed me twice to make an appointment, but when I phoned
they had no juice left, so I went to Boots.

I went to the dentist on Monday and had to have my temperature taken
on entry to the receptionarea and clean my hands with gel and wear a
mask. Then I was allowed to wait inthe waiting room. The dentist was
masked but obviously I had to take my mask off for him to look at my
teeth.
He then explained some stuff and I had huge difficulty getting all the
details. His maks changed the sound, together with my hearing aids. I
did get things repeated but was left very uncomfortable. I have to go
again next week for a long visit and apparently there are no toilet
facilities for patients now there!
And if the procedure does not work the next step would be an
extraction. They can't do root canal and crowns. And for me extraction
means a hospital visit as I take Alendronate which hardens teeth. He
said the waiting list is very long for a hospital visit so if I am in
pain and discomfort, tough luck.
I am on maximum paracetamol and ibuprofen anyway, as I take them for
arthritis, but was in pain too before I visited. The appointment next
week was booked 5 weeks ago after a check up. Monday was an emergency
visit. Of course while at the dentist on Monday the tooth didn't
actually hurt! The reception said he'd do the procedure then but as
it didn't hurt he said no, next week. The GP is worse though.

Poor Vicky, that sounds awful. But is there another better-equipped
dentist nearby? A couple of months ago my dentist, who was finally
seeing people, identified a collapsing bridge and a front tooth that
needed filling. But his surgery is too small to cope with aerosol
control, so he couldn't use any of the usual waterdrills - he filled the
front tooth using an old-fashioned drill (took me back where I ddin't
want to go!), and told me I needed a new bridge which he couldn't do. He
referred me to a practice a little further away who are state of the art
- they have air-scrubbers and all sorts of very sophisticated hygiene
protocols (and they have patient loos!) and they have been very good.
Can you ask yours for a referral which would mean you didn't have to go
to hospital?

I've had to go to hospital for extractions a couple of times in the
last couple of years, pre-lockdown. I did have one done at the Blue
Cross dentist in Watford too, but I that before the hospital. It is
never at my surgery. I think I have to have anasthetic. The
alendronate means they worry about bits of tooth left in and necrosis!
I got a horrible shock when I looked that word up.

[Nick Odell]

On Thu, 15 Oct 2020 10:06:18 +0100, Vicky Ayech
<***@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>

...at the Blue Cross dentist in Watford...

<snip>
What an unfortunate name. Are you sure they are not a vetinary
practice?
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/

Nick

[Mike McMillan]

Post by Nick Odell
On Thu, 15 Oct 2020 10:06:18 +0100, Vicky Ayech
<snip>

...at the Blue Cross dentist in Watford...

<snip>
What an unfortunate name. Are you sure they are not a vetinary
practice?
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
Nick

I suppose it is probably better than the ‘Very Cross’ dentist!

[Vicky Ayech]

On Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:28:27 -0300, Nick Odell

Post by Nick Odell
On Thu, 15 Oct 2020 10:06:18 +0100, Vicky Ayech
<snip>

...at the Blue Cross dentist in Watford...

<snip>
What an unfortunate name. Are you sure they are not a vetinary
practice?
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
Nick

https://www.bluecrossdentalcare.co.uk/

[Rosalind Mitchell]

Post by Nick Odell
On Thu, 15 Oct 2020 10:06:18 +0100, Vicky Ayech
<snip>

...at the Blue Cross dentist in Watford...

<snip>
What an unfortunate name. Are you sure they are not a vetinary
practice?

Or a Health Insurance racketeer^W provider in the US.

R

[Peter]

[...] I did have one done at the Blue
Cross dentist in Watford too, [...]

I went there once. As I sat in the dentist's chair, he asked his dental
nurse to make him a cup of coffee. She suggested that she should make
him one after he'd dealt with me. He insisted that she made him one
there and then, which she did, and he drank it while treating me. Biz
of the kind known as "arre".

[Chris J Dixon]

Post by Peter
I went there once. As I sat in the dentist's chair, he asked his dental
nurse to make him a cup of coffee. She suggested that she should make
him one after he'd dealt with me. He insisted that she made him one
there and then, which she did, and he drank it while treating me. Biz
of the kind known as "arre".

One dentist I visited as a child retired suddenly - it was either
early onset Alzheimer's, or he had been at his drugs cabinet. I
recall one occasion where he spent longer telling his assistant
that he had no time to speak to another patient than such a
conversation would have taken.

I can still smell the mask used to put us under for extractions
as a child - one of which apparently left me out for rather
longer than expected. Who knows what might have happened.
AIUI, dentists used to be able to administer a general, of
whatever type, with very little control, but nowadays things are
much more tightly regulated.

Whilst at Quarry Bank Mill, I noticed the display included a
dentist chair. The articulated drilling arm was there, but the
whirring elastic belt had obviously perished. Vivid memories of
sitting in such a chair as the slow drill ground away at my
molars. Even the light - a cluster of four globes, was the same.

Nevertheless, some of my sizeable amalgam fillings from those
days are still in place.

Chris