My wife always tells me that I am the cause of all NHS problems becuse I alone over load the system.
When I had my chat with my consultant last month he said he would arrange an echocardiogram at my local hospital. He duly wrote to them and I recieved a copy of their reply saying they had arranged an appointment.
Yesterday, having heard nothing, I rang the local cardio secretariate to be told that the letter was badly worded and should have said I had been put on the waiting list which was six to eight months. Less than an hour later I had a call from them to ask if I were available either Saturday or Sunday 25th /26th. So that was a quick six months.
She is now more than ever convinced that my name on any form causes panic and pandemonium in any hospital department.
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BobD
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Interesting Bob. Husband has had a few like this recently.I have begun a successful habit of going(not telephoning) to the hospital and requesting he goes on the cancellation list. Both times in different depts. they have offered an appoint. for a few days ahead.One of these appoints was for an echo. Did it for myself and they fix an appoint within hours. So I waited and was seen a few hours later. Eyes in all directions are needed these days.
I have come to the conclusion that not all are equal on the waiting list. My cataract appointments came much earlier than expected, rather to the annoyance of a friend who had paid to go private. My friend who, after months of suffering pain has been found to have gallstones (which had shown on a scan years before 🙄) was referred as ‘urgent’, only to be told the consultant had ‘downgraded’ her category! She then paid for a private CT scan and is having the op privately in March. I did wonder if she should have waited a bit but as she can afford the private bill I guess that helps someone else who can’t.
And cancellation list definitely worth it, but funnily enough they don’t offer it, you have to ask.
She should not wait for the gall bladder op. My late sister was booked for one - like all of we sisters, she has familial A Fib. She was sent home by the hospital with a packet of aspirin because they said they could not get her heart rate down. Shortly afterwards she had a mild stroke - no readmittance for the gall bladder. A short while later she was admitted because of constant nausea and jaundice. To cut a long story short, despite what they tried it transpired that a gall stone had escaped from the bladder, lodged in a biliary tube, become cancerous and inoperable, After she died instead of sending flowers I donated to an organisation that deals with research into that type of cancer, and the expert specialist said that this what can easily happen if the removal of the diseased gall bladder is delayed. She was a fit, slim 77 year before she was sent home the first time!
I’m very sorry about your sister. My friend’s doctor agreed with you, but protests were unsuccessful. The most upsetting thing was that no one had thought to tell her about the gallstone when the earlier scan was done.
Agreed! Had to ring dentist yesteray as face swollen and painful. Message said closed for staff training so I jumped in car and drove down there. Turns out their phone system was broken (they thought it was quiet). Fitted me in for 9 am and two mins past was walking out with antibiotics for abscess.
I wasn't even on the waiting list for one when, out of the blue, I was offered my third ablation. What had I done to get that - well here's my secret. I'd been in contact with the AF nurses at the hospital a few times for advice. I put on my charming voice (well I think it was charming), listened to any advice they gave and then thanked them profusely for the information and their kindness.
I was telephoned on a Friday, offered an ablation and had it the following Wednesday. When one nurse was checking me in she asked me why my name was so familiar to her. I just said perhaps because I'd already had two ablations there. I think being humble, kind and showing appreciation goes a long way.
I bet you were the same BobD and that's why you received speedy action in both your times of need.
don’t normally post but always read and learn from what’s being said. Today BobD your post made me laugh out loud , wonderful, thank you for all you say and do .
That's what my husband says about me. I was waiting for an Echo and the hospital rang me up last Friday and said can you come in tomorrow at 8.30! When I saw the radiologist, she said when I saw your name, I thought I had better fit you in.
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