Strange Referral, worried about delays on lung test....

[lookingafterdad]

My elderly dad was being looked after by Kingston Hospital, and was due to have his lung oxygen capacity test in Nov. The have now referred him to The Brompton, who on speaking to them today said that he should be with Kingston as it is local care, and an unnecessary journey for him. I agree. He is taking Esbriet presc by The Brompton. I am now concerned he will have to wait even longer for an appt for his test, his breathing is worse and the pumps don't seem to make a huge difference....I am concerned he will get lost in paperwork and his test severely delayed...any advise? He hasnt been seen since pre lockdown which is understandable but I am concerned, very concerned, he was diagnosed about four years ago now I think...

[Troilus]

Do you know the name of your dad’s consultant? If so, it might be an idea to give her a ring and explain the situation. Let her know, that because they referred him to a different hospital for his tests that you are worried he will go to the bottom of the waiting list. Secretaries tend to be very helpful in raising things with the consultant and in my experience they do get back to you.

[lookingafterdad in reply to Troilus]

Hi Troilus, thanks so much for your quick reply - it really is appreciated. I have the name of the nurse at the Brompton and who he was under at Kingston, I will speak to both of them tomorrow and hopefully get him seen sooner rather than later - glad you said that they do sort things out, so worried about getting lost in the ether! Thank you again

[Troilus in reply to lookingafterdad]

Just an after thought. When I was waiting for spirometry I needed to get it done quickly as we had a holiday booked and I needed the diagnosis for insurance. When I rang, they said they would ring me if there were any cancellations. I think I was seen within 48 hrs. The same happened with the follow up appointment with the consultant. Might be worth asking if they do the same. The only requirement was that you had to be able to attend at short notice.

[Fleurbaby]

Only advice, take him to emergency, they are obligated in law to address his health. Take him several times, and he will be seen properly, that is the only reason I have had all the help I have needed, because I stand up for myself.

[lookingafterdad in reply to Fleurbaby]

Thank you, luckily he has me to fight for him now, I'm going to do my damndest to make sure he gets what he needs, I will definitely think of your advice as an option I don't get anywhere with the GP tomorrow. Many thanks

[SORRELHIPPO]

Agree with Troilus, also you can discuss with the GP. They pay for these tests and might have a way of expediting. I know when I have had problems with certain tests at West Middlesex, my GP, has tried both St Peters in Chertsey and The Chelsea and Westminster, which has helped speed things up.

[lookingafterdad in reply to SORRELHIPPO]

Hi Sorrelhippo, thank you, he has an telephone appointment with the GP tomorrow - I intend to grab the phone when he has spoken to them-Dad has agreed to tell the doctors to deal with me as he clearly finds it stressful and hard to hold a long conversation. Personally I think he might at the stage of needing Oxygen which is why Im so concerned about this test. Bless you and thank you for your help.

[ostiad in reply to lookingafterdad]

Put the phone on speaker so you can listen to both sides of the conversation, then you won't lose your chance to speak if necessary x

[Mickymoo]

Last week i rang my respiratory secretary and asked when my appointment would be that was cancelled in March. She was quite abrupt and said as i am a new patient he wont be seeing me for another 4 to 6 months. The only way she said id get in quicker was if my gp "red flagged" a letter to them. I rang my gp and he said it was not on that i had to wait , as it was cardiologist who originally set up the respiratory appointment, for their input on heart failure cause. My cardiologist cant do anymore until ive seen respiratory with my (already done) ct angiogram results. My point is if you can get your gp to write to them, apparently your case becomes more of a priority. Hope this helps x

[periwinkle62]

Watching this with interest. Sympathies to all those with missed apppointments. There has been a lot on the news about the lack of care for cancer patients - and rightly so - but there are many other debilitating and life threatening conditions out there. I have lung fibrosis, muscle and heart symptoms caused by a rare auto immune disorder and am not well but I haven't seen my respiratory consultant since 2019! Not even the offer of a telephone appointment.

[Response]

Please forgive if this doesn't apply to you as I don't have expereince of your exact issu but I thought I'd mention this in case it can apply.

While you're waiting for tests, there are relatively affordable FEV1 Lung Function and Airways Monitor - I bought this MIRSmart one - on amazon -for my mum -( it worked well on me - but my mum as dementia so I couldn't get her to blow properly) - perhaps it will put your mind at rest or give a reason for the drs to speed things up? Again, ignore this if it's nothing connected to your issue. Good luck - and keep pushing politely for your appointment (especially now that COVID is at it's lowest amount before the winter increase so it will safer!)

[Response]

PS I forgot to give the name of the device I bought - MIRSmart one