What now... where do I go from here...

[Asthma-girl]

I was informed that my Respiratory Consultant wrote a referral letter to the Royal Brompton Hospital because at my last clinic appointment I was told there is nothing more that can be done for me at my local hospital, after speaking to the Brompton it turns out that they have not received any referral letter from my consultant and asked me to get them to send a copy of it to them, now it turns out that my consultant did not do the referral after all and does not look as though it will get done either.

The Consultant who looked after my treatment when I was in hospital said that I would definately need to be referred to the Royal Brompton Hospital for the expertise they have.

I just don't know where to go from here.

[Hidden]

Aw no. That must be so frustrating. Will they say why? You probably have already but try phoning the consultant secretary directly? Do you get a copy of letters, this seems to vary but some hospitals send them automatically. Perhaps ask your GP to help chase them up? Don't let them make you feel like giving up on fighting for what you need i.e. the referral you should have.

P.S. May see you at the Brompton hopefully, am also waiting referral, apparently my consultant letter waiting typing?

[Hidden]

I feel your referral pain - you'd think the system should really not be this difficult, and also why do doctors say they'll refer you somewhere then change their minds without telling you?!

As TJ says I would definitely persist - they said they were referring you and it certainly sounds like you need it. Ringing the consultant's secretary might be an idea; you could also try ringing the adviceline on here, as I found them very helpful when I was trying to sort out my referral. They should be able to advise you about what to do.

Best of luck - I really hope you get it all sorted out and get an RBH appt very soon!

[Hidden]

I would complain to PALS at your local hospital and if they do not resolve the issue and get your refrerral done complain to the chief executive. Hope this helps... don't let the consultant tell you one thing and then do nothing... Other alternative is to speak to your GP (make sure you choose one who you know will help) and ask them to do it...

[Skee-skee]

I wonder if the issue could be because the referral might be classified as an out of area referral that the PCT might not want to pay for (some are also considering limiting consultant to consultant referrals). I might be totally wrong but it is worth checking. Maybe go and see your GP and get them to look at the letters your consultant has sent them?- they might even be able to refer you directly.

Hope you do get referred soon as you've had a rough time of it lately.