Anyone had problems with a hospital taking ages to give serious appts? What to do?

anguk

ailuro2 wrote: »

Sometimes people pay privately to see the consultant so they know whether they need to go on a waiting list for any operations they need, cuts down the total waiting time.

I know it's not much of a help, but thought I'd mention it in case it's something you could consider.

I must admit if I was told I'd have to wait 10 weeks to see a consultant for something that I'd class as very serious I'd try to find the money to go privately.

My mam did this (quite a few years ago), she needed a hysterectomy but the waiting list just to see the consultant was over 6 months then she would have to go on the waiting list for the operation. So she paid to see the consultant privately (within a week or two) which got her on the operation list quicker. I'm sure she only paid about £25 for the private consultation, although it was quite a few years ago.

It may be worth enquiring to see how much it would cost?

fatou256

Bexm wrote: »

Oh my lord!!
Husband literally just this minute managed to get hold of the hospital..! THEY LOST HIS REFERRAL!!!!!!!! and the waiting list is about 10 weeks!!!
Bunch of idiots!!!!

We'll be going private at this rate!!

Will be writing to PALs!

this happen to my other half he was needing an urgent endoscopy as i he was vomiting blood but they couldn'[t book him through as they have lost too his referral i strongly you suggest to complaint to PALS as it will expediate the things faster not only for you but maybe for other in the future.

mr_rush

As a doctor working in the NHS I see these complaints far too often.

Unfortunately there is a real lack of accountability in 'administrative and management' portion of the NHS and it is front line staff who get blamed.

The complaint should be to the Chief Executive.

tooldle

If I'm understanding this correctly, your husband has been to clinic and that clinic have referred him to another clinic for tests? Check with the secretary of the first clinic that the referral has been typed and passed on. If this has happened you then need to speak with the clerk for the new clinic as they will be able to slot him in to an available appointment. Clinics usually have a fixed number of slots, some for new patients and some for old (returnin patients). Also patients are graded by the consultant and fall into groups of Urgent, Soon or Routine. When I worked in this area, most patients thought they were urgent when in fact the majority are graded as routine. Ask which list he is on, how many patients are infront of him, and how may urgent slots, soon slots etc there are in the clinic. It is also worth impressing that you are available for last minute cancellations. Patients will often cancel the day before clinic. I have on many occassions phoned through the list of waiting patients trying to find one who can take up the appointment.

nottslass_2

Do you have another Hospital within travelling distance ? If so, you could ask your GP what the waiting list is like ( it can vary considerably between Hospitals) Failing this ask your GP the contact the Hospital and get your referral classed as "urgent"

In theory the wait between GP Referral and receiving treatment (including any diagnostic tests/scans etc) should not exceed 18 weeks. Complain loudly if this is the case !

As others have said, PALS are very good at getting things moving - You'll probably find that a " quick word from them" will work wonders !!!

Good Luck.

Itsgottabedone

In addition to PALS and writing to the CEO you may find it helps to make a friend of the consultant's secretary. I've found in the past that if you tell her how worried you are and how distressing it is to discover that the referral has gone astray she may be able to bump you up the list. Be sure to mention that your husband would willingly attend the hospital at very short notice if there happened to be a cancellation, too.

I can only imagine how worried you must feel - I hope that everything is sorted out very soon.

Blackpool_Saver

Go privately, you can always go back to nhs once you have a diagnosis and help....