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Rachel's Story - Treat me well

Rachel's Story - Episode 2

Season 1, Ep. 2

This is Episode 2 of Rachel's story, part of our Treat me well campaign at Mencap.


Sign up to get more episodes and hear about our campaign, Treat me well, at mencap.org.uk/treatmewell.


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Transcript


Announcer: You are now listening to Episode 2 of Rachel's Story, part of Mencap's Treat Me Well Campaign.


Too many people with a learning disability face problems when they go to hospital. We want to change this. Every episode of Rachel's story is based on real experiences of people with a learning disability who've been to hospital. If you haven't listened to previous episodes, please go back to Episode 1 to hear Rachel's story from the beginning.


Rachel: I calmed down and the doctor pushed on my stomach. It hurt so much. The doctor mumbled something but I couldn't understand what it was.


Doctor: Does it hurt there? Or there? How about there? It could be appendicitis or could just be some gastrointestinal issues. You don't seem to have a fever so we'll get you a blood test.


Rachel: I left the room with two pieces of paper: one green, one white. Honestly, I didn't know where to go. The doctor told me, but I couldn't remember. One of the papers was for the pharmacist. The other was for the blood test. But which one? And where should I go first? The hospital was loud and busy. I just had to leave. I remember my pharmacy gives me green papers, so I thought maybe I should go there first. Soon, I was at the pharmacy near my house. I go there a lot so they they know me.


Pharmacist: Hello Rachel! How are you today? You don't look too well.


Rachel: I told her about my stomach and what happened at A&E.


Pharmacist: Your stomach hurts? On your side? You feel a little bit warm. You might be getting a fever. Now, let's have a look at this prescription. Well, I can tell you this medication won't work well with the pills you are already on.


Rachel: She looked worried. She told me I was supported to take the form to the receptionist. I started to get upset. My stomach was still hurting. I didn't know what to do. What's wrong with me?


Announcer: This is the end of Episode 2. Rachel's story is a combination of experiences that real people with a learning disability have had in hospital. Rachel's experiences in this episode are based on Anne G's story. To read Anne G's story and to find out more about Treat me well, our campaign for better hospital care, please visit www.mencap.org.uk/treatmewell. 


Sign up to campaign emails on the website to get the next episode.


Thank you.

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