I finally had the Cardio MRI on the 10th of January. Got an appointment with Cardiologist on 10th April. This week I have had a phone call from one of the Cardiologists at Barnsley Hospital, (totally unaware that I have an appointment on Wednesday next week with her team) to tell me that now that I have had my MRI (3 mths ago) they have discussed my case with the surgeons at Sheffield NGI and that I am being transferred to their care. So now waiting again for an appointment with a team that so far I have not had any inter action with.
Should I maintain my faith in the NHS because to tell you the truth I have been worried waiting for the last 6 months now I am scared to death.
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Steve_The_Tyke
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Hi, that’s not usual. I have my yearly check ups with the cardiology department at my local hospital, Lincoln, but was referred to Glenfields Hospital in Leicester once my valve had deteriorated enough to warrant surgery. Sounds like the same situation for you. Sheffield is where they do the major operations, Barnsley would probably only do things like stents, much like Lincoln Hospital. Pity they didn’t explain that to you to avoid the stress. I think sometimes they are so used to dealing with these things that they forget that for the patient it is all new.
I had the HA on 9th October was sent to Leeds General Infirmary for Angio on 16th October, the Doctor doing the Angio stopped mid way through, telling me he couldn't go any further my arteries were that bad he could not insert stents and that my only chance was quadruple bypass surgery, I was sent back to Barnsley. Between the 16th and 22nd October I saw a different cardiologist every day and each and every one of them told me the same, they would be keeping me in hospital as it was imperative I stay there to be ready for surgery on an Urgent basis. I was told this at 1130am on the 22nd October, then suddenly at 1730pm on the same day another cardiologist came and told me I was being sent home as the Surgeon at Sheffield NGI would not consider my case until I had a Cardio MRI.
So sent home 22nd October had Cardio MRI at Leeds LGI on the 10th January.
Heard nothing from anyone since then, had an appointment booked with Cardio at Barnsley for 10th April.
Received phone call on 2nd April to tell me that I was being referred to Sheffield NGI Cardio surgeons team but I have to have a Chest CT Scan First, which i am to have at 730pm on 18th April.
In all this time I have not seen a single Cardio Doctor, and then lo and behold receive a phone call today cancelling my appointment with the Cardiologists at Barnsley.
Finally had an appointment with a Cardiologist, and he is the only one that has actually explained what is happening and went through the pictures from the Angio. Also now got an appointment 25 June to see Cardio Surgeon at Sheffield NGI. Hopefully things are starting to happen at last. Getting scared now.
Like the others have said I had an angiogram at my local hospital by a cardiologist but was then referred to Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital which is a specialist heart centre like Glenfields & Sheffield NGH so it’s not unusual. I know it’s easier said than done but try not to worry too much.
I was treated at Liverpool & then discharged back to my local hospital on the Wirral for follow up six monthly check ups.
In East Lanc's the regular stuff is done at Blackburn or Chorley etc but major stuff is moved to Blackpool so it does seem quite normal. Why not phone Barnsley back and ask why and explain your concerns?
I had my valve repair done at Blackpool Cardiac centre but had other tests done at Blackburn and Burnley. I had my pre op at Blackpool on the Monday and my op should have been done on Wednesday at 7am due to unforeseen circumstances it couldn't go ahead abd I was kept in for a week then it went ahead. I have had to go back to Blackpool for check ups and should see the consultant in 6 weeks although I don't know if that's from my operation or the second visit to the Advance nurse practitioner. It seems that most hospitals now have specific centres of excellence.
LOL, I had angiograms and stents at Blackburn and see the cardio team in Burnley. Small world. Have to go to Preston though for neurology. It's a long way for families that don't drive. A friend's husband was in Blackpool and she just couldn't get there to visit or before he died. Centres of excellence are good for treatment but dreadful for families.
I was born in Barnsley and grew up in Sheffield. Yes communication is not a strong point in the NHS, but it is not related to the level of care, which is good. A trick, which others in these pages have suggested, is to get hold of the telephone number of your main consultant's secretary and simply phone directly if you have problems getting an appointment or your results. Your GP can also help you. It took me five phone calls to get my scan results (heart valve) and to bring forward a consultant appointment. But then things move quite quickly.
The NHS does not appreciate the hell of waiting and waiting lists and should wake up to the increasing volume of legal action arising from their effects. But that is another discussion.
I agree, waiting lists can be agony. I had to wait over 12 months, bedridden in excruciating pain just to see a pain consultant. I ended up having o go privately. Now need neurology and told there's a 12 month wait. I think they must have been threatened with fines because today i got a call to say they are now using a private hospital for extra clinics and can I go in 2 weeks time!!!
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