I am a carer for a spouse who suffers from Bipolar Disorder. I therefore live a very difficult life.
My spouse is currently in the “manic” phase. After a difficult discussion at an appointment with her GP, the surgery have now decided to remove her from their Patient’s list and have given her 30 days to register somewhere else.
I am currently researching whether there is anyway I can fight this decision, and what rights may she have.
My only question is whether any of my fellow carers have experienced this type of challenge and would you be comfortable sharing with me your experience.
Have they given an actual reason and is it in writing? Unless she has behaved in a threatening or abusive way towards any of the staff, I can’t see any good reason for removing her from the GP list. In fact it might even be discrimination. They have a Duty of Care towards their patients.
You could raise this with the practice manager, the health board, or the site below gives some helpful advice.
Thank you @EEG and yes at that appointment, knowing her I’m sure that she spoke with typical manic symptoms, irrational, impulsive, intense and an erratic outburst etc.
The doctor has written that her behaviour at the appointment is appalling and said it caused a breakdown of trust relationship.
My experience has always been that GP’s do not really understand the symptoms of Bipolar disorder and of-course they refuse to engage with carers, whom they would rather ignore.
Thank you for your response and advice. Much appreciated.
Even if she did behave in such a manner, given that she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, surely her GP should be working with her to help her manage it rather than just throwing the towel in and giving up on her. Is your wife under the care of a mental health team? It might be worth getting in contact with them also.
Hi @msgman, @EEG is right about making the complaint. If your spouse is at the manic stage, I know what it is like as my mum suffers from bipolar. Not only complain to the health board as the GP is in the wrong and should have not done that and should have made you see someone from the mental health team. If your spouse didn’t physically attack the GP, and was not to rude then as I said before they’re in the wrong. Speak to mental health and tell them as they should be helping you but also complain about it as well. Also speak to safe guarding as they could make it awkward for you to sign to a new GP and then you are in poop.
Good luck
Hi and thanks @bowlingbun
The GP did nothing to help and even made no effort to get mental health or me involved; and that seems to be a point in my favour. My wife in her manic stage is extremely difficult, even after 20 years of experiencing it I struggle greatly. My feeling is that they are tired of it too and found something she said that they can use to get rid of her and therefore want to. And I am going to fight that.