NHS waiting time

Beenie

Apparently it's 18 weeks for non-urgent specialist referrals, but I have been waiting a bit longer than that.

What can I do to move things along? It doesn't sound serious to others, but I have a persistent cough which is ruining my sleep, and stopping me having proper conversations as I get a coughing fit after a few sentences. A respiratory person is supposed to be looking at it but no appointments have be made for me so far. :mad:

KxMx

Contact the PALS team at the Hospital in question. They can advise on specific waits and liaise with the clinic direct.

The 18 weeks is a guideline rather than a rule unfortunately.

Beenie

Thank you. I will try that.

Katapolt

when i was waiting for a date for surgery i called the department once a week to ask if there had been any movement or if there were any cancellations. Doubt it helped much but might be worth trying.

failing that, nag your gp!

dawyldthing

Also ring the appointments line as I know through work sometimes appointments don't come through and then get missed but they will say if you've been referred and might have an idea on timeline

sillyvixen

Ring the hospital switchboard and ask for the booking office they may be able to help. I have not got appointments twice when I should have the booking office have clarified the situation with the consaultant team and an appointment has been issued.

Sncjw

Is it a referral from gp. Did they not give you information about choose and book service. That!!!8217;s what most people use for their initial appointments.

I don!!!8217;t think hospitals can deal directly with the choose and book. You would have to contact the gp about it.

I would ask the gp if you have been referred. Also in clinics there!!!8217;s only so many slots available for new patients and only so many slots in total for the clinic to lower delays. Also the doctor has set schedule in the week so only does so many clinics as they have inpatients and surgery!!!8217;s as well (that!!!8217;s if they are a surgeon). They also need time to do paperwork.

I would contact your gp to chase
It up.

welshbookworm

I've been off work since January with 'stenosis between L4 and L5 ' (back problems) and the earliest appointment I can get is September (no date yet!)
Good luck

Beenie

It was after a GP consultation (or at least three!) that he referred me via Choose and Book. All that allowed me to do was to choose a preferred hospital. That hospital was meant to contact me within 14 days to let me know the date of appointment. Nothing happened. When I call or email, I get the same reply 'You are on the list awaiting an appointment'. So there's a list before you even go on the appts list!

I spoke to GP yesterday and he can't investigate or hurry things. Instead, he gave me a copy of the referral letter and suggested I make as much noise as I could with hospital -- or whover else I thought might help. PALS have been contacted so far, as per post #2 advice above.

GothicStirling

I work in the NHS, and I'm going to guess that this year's winter pressure (especially with flu) has caused a backlogue of people waiting for appointments.