NHS cardiologist appointment

[Kennyb1968]

I live in Lanarkshire and am facing a 22 week wait to see an NHS cardiologist. I have seen a private EP who diagnosed PAF and a management dose of Flecanide. I am an ideal ablation candidate but it looks like I am going to have to wait 11 weeks for a NHS cardiologist consultation. Then there will be wait for an ablation. Anyone got experience of going to an NHS Trust outwith their area?

[Jalia]

I don't understand this. I thought that if you saw the EP privately and he thought you suitable for ablation then why did he not list you for one ? Why would you have to now see a NHS cardiologist ?

[Kennyb1968 in reply to Jalia]

The AFib nurse I spoke to wasn't sure he could do that

[Jalia in reply to Kennyb1968]

I don't get that. Perhaps someone else will come on here and enlighten me!

[Hidden in reply to Jalia]

Way back in 2014, I saw an EP privately although I was referred to him by a Cardiologist. The EP obviously hadn’t read the referral because the cardiologist said he thought I would be an ideal candidate for a Cryoablation. When I asked the EP when he thought he would be able do it, he said probably Saturday two weeks away. I replied…..”errr, you do know the referral letter said it was to be done on the NHS, there was a stony silence before coming back with 6 to 8 months!! Assuming your EP works for the NHS and that you are happy for him to do it, I would have thought he would be able to have you added to his list……..

[wilsond in reply to Kennyb1968]

Mine did at Coventry

[Avatel]

I've never seen mine in 2 years, just one phone call. I wouldn't want to see him now as he was patronising on the phone. The cardiac nurses do a better job than him. I have resorted to going private a few times even though money is tight.

[Fibber222]

I’ve been waiting to see a cardio on the NHS for over a year! We’ve paid and he has put all my tests through on NHS. Haven’t had any regarding ablation though. I think I’ve been very lucky. He told me I’ve every right to go between the two.

[wilsond]

Well,I was looking at a wait of 12 to 18 months here. Third way through, covid hit. Hence 3 years....so when they started ablation again, I enquired at GP if I could be referred to Glenfield,Leicester. I had heard that their lists were shorter.

Response was that yes he could, but I'd be treated as a brand new patient . Looking at 3 years wait,and I'd lose my place at Coventry!

However he did write in that I was getting really much worse suddenly. I had a date within a few weeks.

Ask to go on cancellation list too.

I went private for initial appointment then he transferred me to NHS no problem.

I saw him again half way through the long wait as private.

[valwin in reply to wilsond]

Hi can I ask when you initially went private did your GP refer you or was it a self referral

[wilsond in reply to valwin]

I self referred. I just rang the BMI based in the grounds of the nhs hospital. X

[valwin in reply to wilsond]

Thank you

[Hidden]

I would contact the medic you saw and ask if they can facilitate a speedier access. Some areas resist allowing a private consultation to enable you to skip the queue, though. Also I would check who you have been referred to, you need to see an EP cardiologist not a straight cardiologist. Good luck

[ETHEL103]

Yes .I live in medway Kent and my wait was 32 weeks.I had a private ep in London and he put me on his NHS list for ablation.Took 8 months.

[Kennyb1968]

So it turns out I have been referred and my maximum wait will be 18 weeks! They have also placed me on the cancellation list.

[MoyB]

Is that for an appointment or for the ablation? xx Moy

[Kennyb1968 in reply to MoyB]

Yes - as my private EP is also an NHS consultant he was able to get me on the waiting list

[MoyB in reply to Kennyb1968]

👍❤️xx Moy

[wilsond in reply to Kennyb1968]

Well done. Thats the route i went

[Raffles2602]

I live near Edinburgh and I have an appointment to see a cardiologist next month - after a wait of 2 years, only had 2 brief telephone conversations prescribing various drugs. Similar story to Avatel, very patronising and dismissive, told me it won't kill me. (AF & A Flutter); perhaps not but every day becomes more of a struggle. From being very active walking at least 5 miles a day, now some days getting around the house and even holding a conversation is exhausting. Unfortunately can't afford to go private. Sending you my very best wishes for a successful outcome.

[Ellie-Ann]

I’ve been waiting since last December to see a cardiologist and I now have an appointment right at the end of September! 10 months. 😳