definitely pursue getting the notes. I once supported a lady who did this and the result was deeply shocking, letters from one consultant to another with things that had never been followed up, requests for referrals to different doctors which weren't done, suggestions made as to a diagnosis that were ignored etc etc. She was diagnosed with a very unpleasant and painful condition for which she got treatment after forty years of having it as a result of her looking through everything herself.
Panic stricken - notification of initial CHC meeting received.
- Thread starter Saffie
- Start date
Thank you Sister Millicent for your help.
I'm really not sure I can do this.
Today I am terribly giddy. Feel not at all well. Feel very sick.
It may be some sort of variaiion of a migraine but not the usual kind.
Regarding the notes I 'm not sure I know what I need to be looking for. I see from the reference that Geum has kindly given that it helps it you can give the hospital some sort of guidance about time covered but I wouldn't know where to start and as Dave is 75, can hardly have his life's medical history and don't know exactly which will be relevant. The home manager seems to think they have all the information needed there. Perhaps I should just leave it up to them to produce the evidence - at least for the checklist. I will attend of course. Not sure this morning that I'm up for much else. Maybe later. Thank you all - sorry to be so negative but not sure it's worth getting ill over. xxx
I'm really not sure I can do this.
Today I am terribly giddy. Feel not at all well. Feel very sick.
It may be some sort of variaiion of a migraine but not the usual kind.
Regarding the notes I 'm not sure I know what I need to be looking for. I see from the reference that Geum has kindly given that it helps it you can give the hospital some sort of guidance about time covered but I wouldn't know where to start and as Dave is 75, can hardly have his life's medical history and don't know exactly which will be relevant. The home manager seems to think they have all the information needed there. Perhaps I should just leave it up to them to produce the evidence - at least for the checklist. I will attend of course. Not sure this morning that I'm up for much else. Maybe later. Thank you all - sorry to be so negative but not sure it's worth getting ill over. xxx
Saffie,
It is incredibly daunting of where to start.
It is why some people opt to use solicitors.
They do all of the leg work.
It is what I did.
However you always seem to dismiss this suggestion,
not sure why, because they certainly earn their percentage of a no win no fee.
My stance was that better a win than not.
In the first stage of my Dads case £45,000 or thereabouts, better off
However, all I can do is urge you to contact the Alzheimers help team.
Not after you have got the info but before, so that they can
calmly talk you through each stage, and then you won't be inundated with all of the information.
You will also know how to arrange it in order to access it etc.
Try and view it as a big filing job, even though it is emotionally very taxing to say the least).
The hospital notes you will require will I imagine be just be the relevant periods that Dave was in hospital leading to his admission to the nursing home.
Up until that point it will just be general medical history that you can gain from the notes probably via the Gp.
In my Dads case, (not in order) General medical history, compiled from Gp notes and hospital/nursing home records.
Skin papilloma right anterior chest wall (benign. no evidence of invasive carcinoma.)
Gall stones. 1 large stone removed.
Obstructive jaundice
Gallstone Pancreatitis
Extensive vascular history with acute myocardial infarction, and proven carotid stenosis
Vascular dementia
Chronic back pain
Pacemaker.
Hypertension
Oedema
Angina
Osteoporosis of the neck
Very dry skin, friable.
TIA witnessed Cpn Also other ref. to Tia’s at other times.
Umbilical hernia/rolling hernia?
Ischaemic heart disease
MRSA in wound on left arm (date)
(Year --- mild age related macula degeneration changes in the left eye which is causing decrease in central vision, and left eye vitreous degeneration and detachment.
Wound infections
Ct scan (date) taken for subjected memory impairment, cerebral vascular disease pacemaker and previous myocardial infarction showed generalised cerebral atrophy with some periventricular small vessel ischaemic change. There was heavy calcification of both vertical arches.
Expressive Dysphasia
Benign cyst on kidneys
Cerebro-Vascular Accident (date). Trauma poss stroke or hemorrhage.
Cataracts in both eyes. (date)
Pace maker clinic attended (date)
Blepharitis
Incontinent of urine & faeces
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
I am worried that you may be following my advice and that my advice may not be correct, and is out of date.
PLEASE CONTACT THE YOU KNOW WHO'S
Thank you Geum and Kassy.
I thought, from what you have said, that you did your own application, Geum, for the CHC funding but used a solicitor for the retrospective part.
The reason I have been against it is that the money man, Martyn Lewis, when talking about retrospective claims last September when it was in the news, advised not to and that solicitors took 1/3 of the retrospective repayment.
The money involved in Dave's case all told is nowhere near the amount you received Geum. Also, this is our money, rather than a parent's money - and I do think it makes a difference - our loss rather than gain perhaps. I am now living on half Dave's teacher's pension - and not a full pension at that as he had to retire at 55 due to poor health. So, to hand over a third of whatever he might be repaid will make more of a dent in a smaller, rather than a greater amount as your's was. Of course. I don't even know yet if retrospective funding is even being considered as I said I intended applying for both but it seems only forward is being dealt with now.
Incidentally, I don't think Dave will get it after seeing your PM about your father's health problems. I can't believe you didn't receive it immediately. It was really dreadful that you didn't/
I think I will need hospital notes prior to his stay in hospital for the amputation as there didn't seem to be alot of joined -up thinking going on when he was there. [For example, the Kidney consultant didn't know that he was even in hospital let alone that he had had major surgery until he was in rehabilitatil and I had to contact her because the nurse said it was up to me to arrange for the blood injection! This, despite the fact that when he was to have the hip replacement, a team from the kidney unit had to be present at the operation for any emergencyI The consultant was furious when she came one evening as she said Dave was really in need of a transfusion and had a row with the nurse, who still didn't do it!]
Also, having looked at the DST, although I know about his other health problems I can't recall exact dates when they started and it looks as though you need written official proof of times etc. Perhaps this will be in the GP's file.
O dear. You have been so helpful. I really don't want to let you down. I will try to organise the paperwork etc. I have over the weekend, and start contacting next week. No point over the weekend.
I do appreciate all your efforts to help Geum, i really do.
Just hope my head is a bit less whoosy tomorrow. X
I thought, from what you have said, that you did your own application, Geum, for the CHC funding but used a solicitor for the retrospective part.
The reason I have been against it is that the money man, Martyn Lewis, when talking about retrospective claims last September when it was in the news, advised not to and that solicitors took 1/3 of the retrospective repayment.
The money involved in Dave's case all told is nowhere near the amount you received Geum. Also, this is our money, rather than a parent's money - and I do think it makes a difference - our loss rather than gain perhaps. I am now living on half Dave's teacher's pension - and not a full pension at that as he had to retire at 55 due to poor health. So, to hand over a third of whatever he might be repaid will make more of a dent in a smaller, rather than a greater amount as your's was. Of course. I don't even know yet if retrospective funding is even being considered as I said I intended applying for both but it seems only forward is being dealt with now.
Incidentally, I don't think Dave will get it after seeing your PM about your father's health problems. I can't believe you didn't receive it immediately. It was really dreadful that you didn't/
I think I will need hospital notes prior to his stay in hospital for the amputation as there didn't seem to be alot of joined -up thinking going on when he was there. [For example, the Kidney consultant didn't know that he was even in hospital let alone that he had had major surgery until he was in rehabilitatil and I had to contact her because the nurse said it was up to me to arrange for the blood injection! This, despite the fact that when he was to have the hip replacement, a team from the kidney unit had to be present at the operation for any emergencyI The consultant was furious when she came one evening as she said Dave was really in need of a transfusion and had a row with the nurse, who still didn't do it!]
Also, having looked at the DST, although I know about his other health problems I can't recall exact dates when they started and it looks as though you need written official proof of times etc. Perhaps this will be in the GP's file.
O dear. You have been so helpful. I really don't want to let you down. I will try to organise the paperwork etc. I have over the weekend, and start contacting next week. No point over the weekend.
I do appreciate all your efforts to help Geum, i really do.
Just hope my head is a bit less whoosy tomorrow. X
I did do my own application Saffie and the solicitor dealt with the retrospective application, but that doesn't mean to say I know it all.
All solicitors have there own rates.
I was charged as I have said before a no win no fee of I think 15 %.
Others may of course be different.
I really fail to see your reasoning about who's money is involved.
Surly if you have paid in all your life to the NHS why should they not pay out when there is a health need?
I didn't incidentally see it as my gain, but rather that my Dad wasn't fleeced.
I only mentioned the solicitor, because you said you didn't know if you could continue with this.
If that is the case you will get nothing.
If a solicitor handled it on a no win no fee, you could possibly win and they will have done the work.
So they deserve to be paid and you would have gained something as opposed to nothing.
Just my view. Sorry to be blunt.
You have quite a few options Saffie, and you are not letting me down.
It is your decision.
I can think of plenty of reasons Dave should get it which is why I have always prompted you to apply, despite the so called experts saying to the contrary.
Open wound, possible blood poisoning, pain monitoring etc.
Love Geum.
xxx
I apologise Geum, I think my post must have read all wrong.
I meant no offence whatsoever.
In September ,others on TP as well as the lady from the AS advised me to do it myself.
I was also under the impression that I would still have to gather the information to give to the solicitor.
Perhaps if I go ahead with the retrospective I might consider this.
If I go ahead at all.
Either way, thank you so much. x
I meant no offence whatsoever.
In September ,others on TP as well as the lady from the AS advised me to do it myself.
I was also under the impression that I would still have to gather the information to give to the solicitor.
Perhaps if I go ahead with the retrospective I might consider this.
If I go ahead at all.
Either way, thank you so much. x
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Hi Saffie,
I can relate to your wish to protect your (yours and Dave's) financial resources. From what you've said you are having to struggle financially at a stage in your lives when you should not have to.
The other issue is surely whether you can trust a solicitor to do a thorough job. I have had a number of bad experiences with solicitors and have found, even when things have turned out O.K. eventually, that I have ended up having to do such a lot of work myself that I might as well have done it all - and saved a lot of money. It's very clear that you are an organised and determined person and I'm sure that, knowing everything that you do, you're more than capable of achieving a successful outcome.
Take care
I can relate to your wish to protect your (yours and Dave's) financial resources. From what you've said you are having to struggle financially at a stage in your lives when you should not have to.
The other issue is surely whether you can trust a solicitor to do a thorough job. I have had a number of bad experiences with solicitors and have found, even when things have turned out O.K. eventually, that I have ended up having to do such a lot of work myself that I might as well have done it all - and saved a lot of money. It's very clear that you are an organised and determined person and I'm sure that, knowing everything that you do, you're more than capable of achieving a successful outcome.
Take care
Thank you Helen and thank you Stanley.
Yes, Stanley, I confess that I do not have absolute faith in solicitors and it was because I read on TP quite a lot about how some solicitors were not that familiar with the application for Deputyship that I applied for that myself. As well as the cost of course, since it did not help to say that was coming from my husband's bank account when that account had always been shared!
Of course solicitors vary and I know that some are very good. I would never discount using a solicitor completely and haven't done so for CHC application and might do so if the initial steps are rejected. I just don't want to go into the checklist assessment with all guns blazing as I can't see that it will help in anyway and may well set some people's backs up, including those of the home's nurses whom I would not want to upset in any way.
Thank you for your post - a busy week ahead I think!
Apologies, the post went too soon!
Yes, Stanley, I confess that I do not have absolute faith in solicitors and it was because I read on TP quite a lot about how some solicitors were not that familiar with the application for Deputyship that I applied for that myself. As well as the cost of course, since it did not help to say that was coming from my husband's bank account when that account had always been shared!
Of course solicitors vary and I know that some are very good. I would never discount using a solicitor completely and haven't done so for CHC application and might do so if the initial steps are rejected. I just don't want to go into the checklist assessment with all guns blazing as I can't see that it will help in anyway and may well set some people's backs up, including those of the home's nurses whom I would not want to upset in any way.
Thank you for your post - a busy week ahead I think!
Apologies, the post went too soon!
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Hi Saffie,
Goodness, I didn't take offence. Sorry if it came over that way.
I was rushing off out, and didn't try to "pretty up" what I posted.
The only thing that was required by the solicitor was that I initially filled in a form so that they could see if there was a likely hood that my Dad was eligible.
Then I had to give permission for them to access all of the records.
They did it all. The records were sent to them direct. I did nothing.
It took a great deal of the weight and worry off my shoulders and left me to concentrate on Dad.
Meanwhile, I read what I could about NHSCC and also obtained copies of all of the records so that I was prepared to then deal with the current (as then was) assessment.
The South Wales solicitors I used are specialist in NHSCC.
They do not advertise in papers.
They are usually involved in any media interviews, stating
what is wrong with the system and how people are losing out,
not only to obviously get new clients, but because the NHS isn't very pro active in publicizing NHSCC
Lisa Morgan won the solicitor of the year, and deservedly so in my opinion
she has helped a lot of people.
Anyway Saffie,
If I were you I would be taking the least stressful route.
You know best what that will be.
Thank you again Geum,
Yes, You PMd me the solicitors way back in September or so but I was a bit put off them at the time because their ads were all over the TV - due to the imminent CHC deadline of course. However, they certainly seem to know their stuff as they helped you and I'm pretty sure they were the ones who helped Sue with her claim if I remember rightly from the TV. So I'd probably opt for them as I wouldn't know how knowledgeable or successful other solicitors might be.
They took over the firm with whom we dealt with as executors of my aunt's Will too - so my sister said anyway and they now have done her Will too!
Feel rough today again and haven't been able to do much at all but have started listing Dave's relevant conditions and tried to work out when certain things began, or if unable to, to highlight the information I need. Hopefully that will give me a clearer indication of which notes I need and help me not to forget something.
Long way to go though so may succumb yet.x
Yes, You PMd me the solicitors way back in September or so but I was a bit put off them at the time because their ads were all over the TV - due to the imminent CHC deadline of course. However, they certainly seem to know their stuff as they helped you and I'm pretty sure they were the ones who helped Sue with her claim if I remember rightly from the TV. So I'd probably opt for them as I wouldn't know how knowledgeable or successful other solicitors might be.
They took over the firm with whom we dealt with as executors of my aunt's Will too - so my sister said anyway and they now have done her Will too!
Feel rough today again and haven't been able to do much at all but have started listing Dave's relevant conditions and tried to work out when certain things began, or if unable to, to highlight the information I need. Hopefully that will give me a clearer indication of which notes I need and help me not to forget something.
Long way to go though so may succumb yet.x
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They were established in 1960 Saffie, and are now one of the top 100 law firms in the UK. (Taken from Web)
I have never seen them advertise on TV in Wales. They've only appeared in news programs, Horizon Panorama, etc. and Radio 4.
and yes they were the firm who helped Sue and others.
I don't get a fee for this incidentally.
It was just that I found them very good and like to recommend those who I have found professional above the call of duty and very helpful.
Hope you feel better later.
All of this certainly won't be helping you health.
Hi Geum. Yes, that law firm must be pretty big as I believe even the one they took over wasn't a particularly small one. The branch we dealt with in the late '90s about my aunt's Will was in Cardiff. As I said, if I go down that route , I will use them.
Strange none of their adverts were shown in Wales as I'm pretty certain they were in the paper too - was the September 30th deadline perhaps not relevant in Wales too? Still, that doesn't affect how good they are anyway, I just noticed the name at the time because I knew of it and also because the ads were about the CHC deadline.
Shame you can't get a recommendation fee I must say!
Strange none of their adverts were shown in Wales as I'm pretty certain they were in the paper too - was the September 30th deadline perhaps not relevant in Wales too? Still, that doesn't affect how good they are anyway, I just noticed the name at the time because I knew of it and also because the ads were about the CHC deadline.
Shame you can't get a recommendation fee I must say!
Thank you Kassy. I've been filling in the blank checklist the home manager gave me to have a go at and I have to say, it looks that the CHC will be a walkover! In my eyes anyway - though most likely not in the eyes of the assessor from the CHC who is the one who matters! Pity !
Thanks Kassy.
I just need Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple to come up with the evidence for all I've written now!!! That's the hard part because of course I'm biased anyway!
Oh well, it's just an excercise anyway so that I have some idea of what to say.
I have to say that comparing what the nurse wrote last time and the way Dave is now, there is a marked difference in certain domains. Very sad - things progress so grqdually that one forgets. xxx
I just need Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple to come up with the evidence for all I've written now!!! That's the hard part because of course I'm biased anyway!
Oh well, it's just an excercise anyway so that I have some idea of what to say.
I have to say that comparing what the nurse wrote last time and the way Dave is now, there is a marked difference in certain domains. Very sad - things progress so grqdually that one forgets. xxx
Sorry to be late
Hi Saffie , Just playing "catch up " & last week away at Camp , am glad for Dave & you that have been allowed to claim for C H C & tho am not able to give advice just wanted to send lots & lots of T P Vibes that every thing goes well at the first meeting & do hope you are able to be there when you are called in by the C H C Team *
I am aware its not easy Saffie & can understand your nerves etc but glad you have lots of good T P Support
Wishing you lots of luck & do hope Dave is awarded it this time round
Much Love & Hugs ( thinking of you both )
Love Grove x x
Hi Saffie , Just playing "catch up " & last week away at Camp , am glad
for Dave & you that have been allowed to claim for C H C & tho am not able to give advice just wanted to send lots & lots of T P Vibes that every thing goes well at the first meeting & do hope you are able to be there when you are called in by the C H C Team * I am aware its not easy Saffie & can understand your nerves etc but glad you have lots of good T P
Support Wishing you lots of luck & do hope Dave is awarded it this time round
Much Love & Hugs ( thinking of you both )
Love Grove x x
Thank you Kassy. I've been filling in the blank checklist the home manager gave me to have a go at and I have to say, it looks that the CHC will be a walkover! In my eyes anyway - though most likely not in the eyes of the assessor from the CHC who is the one who matters! Pity !
Hi Saffie,
Hope you are not getting to stressed I know it's a very worrying time for you.
Just a few points you may or may not want to consider when you speak with whoever is conducting the checklist.
Firstly you should ask whether the person doing the checklist is qualified to do so.
Are they fully aware that the checklist should be fully compliant with the Coughlan ruling.
The judgment in Coughlan clearly establishes that where a persons primary need is for healthcare and that is why they are in a care home / nursing home the NHS is responsible for the full cost of the package.
Also remind them that the right to NHS care is a matter of law and not medical opinion and questions of law cannot be arbitrated by clinicians and administrators.
The entitlement toNHS care is a statutory right and enshrined in the national health service act.
A citizens rights cannot be revoked by anyone.
Under the human rights act nobody including nurse assessors or administrators can make quasi- judicial decisions which imposes a severe financial burden upon or places at risk a persons entire assets.
Remember don't sign or agree to anything without checking it first.
Good luck .
Mick
Thanks Mick. It's the Senior assessor from the area's CHC team who is attending the home to do the checklist.
The manager has given me a blank one to fill in so that I have my opinions ready.
As I say, I think I can see where he is at but whether the assessor will see it as I do is a vastly different story!
There is another person being assessed in the home on the same morning so I am hoping that Dave's list looks worse than his/her's - which might help - or hinder if it is better!!!
At the moment I'm trying to collate all Dave's conditions which have a bearing on how he is now, whenever they started and adding dates where I can. Trying to get my side in order before I start approaching surgeries and hospitals so that I know which records are relevant and which are not. He has a very long medical history, not all of which will be relevant.!
The manager has given me a blank one to fill in so that I have my opinions ready.
As I say, I think I can see where he is at but whether the assessor will see it as I do is a vastly different story!
There is another person being assessed in the home on the same morning so I am hoping that Dave's list looks worse than his/her's - which might help - or hinder if it is better!!!
At the moment I'm trying to collate all Dave's conditions which have a bearing on how he is now, whenever they started and adding dates where I can. Trying to get my side in order before I start approaching surgeries and hospitals so that I know which records are relevant and which are not. He has a very long medical history, not all of which will be relevant.!
If you need Dave's medical records then you are perfectly entitled to request them under the freedom of information act.
The most the NHS can charge is £50.
My dads was 200plus pages but when I did go through it I found a report by a specialist who had diagnosed dad with a brain tumor.
I was never told about this. (Small oversight........)
So you can see it is important to get thes records you just don't know what they may contain.
Mick
Gosh - that's dreadful!
I really meant more his numerous operations when younger. The information re obtaining records I've looked at and which was via a link from Geum, says that if you can be more specific about which records you need, it can make it quicker to provide them and be cheaper. I will try the surgery first, even though the GP said I wouldn't be able to have them. I'm writing to the Practice manager and will enclose a copy of my Deputyship certificate and hope for the best!
Thanks again.
