NHS Referrals

itsgazza_2

Hi , I'm hoping someone can offer some advice around hospital referrals by a G.P.
It's a long story so I will keep it short, 7 months ago I had an Arthroscopy on my right knee, this went badly and I ended up with an infection that took several weeks to clear and consequently I have lost a lot of flexibility in the joint.
The surgeon I saw has said that the next time he sees me it will be for a knee replacement as he sees this is the only remedy to my current problems with my knee.
I want to explore other avenues before embarking on this.

My question is can I insist that my GP sends me to a different surgeon/hospital for a second opinion? there is a specialist hospital not far away from me and I have heard good things about this hospital and a particular otrhopaedic surgeon that carries out complex revision surgery.

ripplyuk

There's no legal entitlement to get a second opinion on the NHS but usually GP's will oblige. I would go back and speak to them, mentioning the hospital/consultant that you would prefer and why. Often, as it's a second opinion, the waiting list will be long. The other option is to pay to see your preferred consultant privately. They can write to your GP with their recommendations.

Also, have a look at:
http://www.hdapatientcaretrust.com

HTH

pmduk

I'm sure if you tell the GP you want to explore non-surgical solutions first, your GP will be prepared to help you, by referring you elsewhere. Many surgeons see surgery as the solution for everything.

Somebody on another thread posted this link which I think you'll find useful.

j.e.j.

Unfortunately with the NHS you can't "insist" on anything, but you should be able to choose where you get referred to.

50Twuncle

itsgazza wrote: »

Hi , I'm hoping someone can offer some advice around hospital referrals by a G.P.
It's a long story so I will keep it short, 7 months ago I had an Arthroscopy on my right knee, this went badly and I ended up with an infection that took several weeks to clear and consequently I have lost a lot of flexibility in the joint.
The surgeon I saw has said that the next time he sees me it will be for a knee replacement as he sees this is the only remedy to my current problems with my knee.
I want to explore other avenues before embarking on this.

My question is can I insist that my GP sends me to a different surgeon/hospital for a second opinion? there is a specialist hospital not far away from me and I have heard good things about this hospital and a particular otrhopaedic surgeon that carries out complex revision surgery.

I am in a similar position - my knee is "hyper extended" and getting worse - I do really need a new knee joint - but as I am still only in my early 50's - the consultant won't oblige (tells me I'm too young !!) - because a knee joint only lasts 15 years and they are only able to fit 2 joints in my life !!
I am seeing the consultant in a couple of weeks time - so don't expect too much !

sheramber

Many years ago my cousin requested a hip replacement due to severe arthritis in her hip but was told she was too young. At that time they could only do one replacement.

She replied that she would rather have a new hip at 40 and be in a wheelchair in later years than be in a wheelchair now and get a new hip in her later years.

Her surgeon agreed to the op if she agreed to go out of the area for it. She said she would go anywhere if it meant she got a new hip. In the end she only had to travel 50 miles to have it done.

She is now in her 80's and has had 4 hip replacemnts and is not yet in a wheelchair.

scooby088

You can ask to be referred to another hospital and specialist, my OH wanted a second opinion our gp begudgingly referred her to another specialist we are currently waiting for results.

Beenie

Bear in mind that it's not that expensive to have a private consultation with a preferred surgeon/consultant.

It is usually around £200.

That's purely for the consultation - any treatment is charged separately.