Good Evening,

My Father has Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and has immense pain in his legs that has dramatically limited his mobility. He's practically unable to walk without a walking aid at this point. I have been overseas so have not been involved in his care but I understand his GP wouldn't make a referral for treatment until my Father quit smoking.

My Father is 73 and has smoked since he was a teenager. He's never going to quit. His smoking is an addiction and health issue as far as I'm concerned and the GP should have no grounds for refusing to make the referral / offer treatment to my Father.

I will be attending the surgery with him tomorrow for the first time to address a separate issue. He has extremely high blood pressure (averaging 170/85) and told me he was on medication. I checked his medication and he's on Ramipril 1.25mg. He's been on this dose for months and to my knowledge it isn't a theraputic dose for high blood pressure.

The surgery involved in his care appear to be borderline negligent as far as I'm concerned.

Does anybody have any advice for me before I attend the surgery with him tomorrow?

I appreciate your help

Thanks!

EDIT: I just had a catch up with my sister who has been more involved in his care. A referral to vascular was made by the GP but consultant refused to treat him unless he quit smoking, allegedly. There are other issues going on he's also under a cardiologist due to a blockage in the aorta. It just seems to be a bit of a mess. I'll go in tomorrow with an open mind and have a conversation with the GP to find out what's going on.

My immediate concerns are the high blood pressure readings I'm seeing and his lack of mobility due to the PAD. The cardiologist has performed a number of scans and advised that no action should be taken as he's not symptomatic. A follow up scan will be done in 6 months regarding the blocked aorta.

My sister also mentioned she has been trying to book another appointment with vascular using the online system for months, but has never had any success. I'll try and find out more about this online system and secure him another appointment.