Geordies - rheumatology - freeman or rake lane - which is best

cagneyfan

Hi everyone,

I've just been sent a letter for a Rheumatology appointment. It must be a new thing they do as it seems to indicate that I have to make the appointment rather than one be sent out. It seems I have a choice of the two hospitals.

I would very much appreciate any advice from anyone who's been or heard about the rheumatology departments at the above two hospitals before I make my decision of who to book with.

The waiting time for Rake Lane (aka rake mistake which is a worry!) is 54 days and the Freeman is 74 days.

I've had the letter for a few days as I didn't understand it at first (I just assumed you get an appointment sent out) I now realise I'm meant to arrange the appointment - so like I said, any advice gratefully received regarding other peoples experience at the two departments.

cydney65

Hi

I used to go to Carlisle but asked GP to refer me to Newcastle. I now go to the Freeman and I can't believe how good they are. The consultants are friendly and have time for you and they really know their stuff. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing bad about Carlisle except they are over-worked and understaffed. I don't know anything about the other place you mentioned, sorry.
HTH
CydneyX

jacnorm

Freeman are good both my husband and son go there

kurgon

http://www.nhs.uk/Scorecard/Pages/Results.aspx?OrgType=5&Coords=5649%2c4245&TreatmentID=0&PageNumber=1&PageSize=0&TabId=0&SortType=1&LookupType=1&LocationType=2&SearchTerm=newcastle&DistanceFrom=50&SortByMetric=0&TrustCode=&TrustName=&DisambiguatedSearchTerm=Newcastle%2c+Tyne+%26+Wear%2c+NE1+4&LookupTypeWasSwitched=False&MatchedOrganisationPostcode=&MatchedOrganisationCoords=&ServiceIDs=&ScorecardTypeCode=&NoneEnglishCountry=&HasMultipleNames=False&OriginalLookupType=1&ServiceLaunchFrom=&TopLevelFilters=
You can use this site to check any services that are offered through the NHS. Lots of reviews normally available. HTH.

MRSTITTLEMOUSE

I'd go with the Freeman anyday for anything.
My sister has used the Freeman rheum.dept and she says they are wonderful.

Wendy5704

I would recommend Freemans. I was sent there a couple of years ago because my consulatant at my hospital was stumped as what he could do for me next so sent to see a proffesor in rheumatology and they were great.

cagneyfan

Hi again,
Thanks for the responses everyone. As there was no mention of Rake lane I opted to go for the Freeman.

I hesitated because I really didn't want to go there as that's where my lovely mam passed away (12 years ago and it still feels like it was this morning. I think I've cried every day since).

When I tried booking online I messed it up and the reference number was blocked. I tried using a public phone to ring the 0345 number to have it unblocked, but it was a barred number - so spent a fortune on my mobile sorting it out! You'd think a number regarding a hospital appointment would be easily accessible. Honestly, if it weren't for bad luck I'd have none. It's so difficult to try and remain postive when everything from difficult to trivial seems to constantly go wrong.

Thank you again for taking the time to reply