waiting time

[ABCheart]

I’ve been told that I need a double bypass, I can live with that, although I live with pain on a daily basis. What I can’t get my head around is that I have been told I need to wait between 45 to 50 weeks. What do I do now, who monitors me, what do I do if I have questions or concerns.

[10gingercats]

You can apply to other hospitals and find one that has a shorter waiting list.Your GP will be able to advise you how to do this.And ...you can put yourself on the cancellation list at your existing hospital.I would try for both.

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to 10gingercats]

Although NHS Choices does offer patients the opportunity to decide where to they are treated, after referral the option to change hospitals when you believe there is an unduly long waiting time is covered below

You have the legal right to ask for your appointment to be moved to a different provider if you're likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment.

The hospital or integrated care board (ICB) will have to investigate and offer you a range of suitable alternative hospitals or clinics that would be able to see you sooner. Read the guide to waiting times for more information.

nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...

Note this covers hospitals in England only. Not sure what happens the other countries within the UK.

[Hidden]

Hello ABC - I had heart attack on Nov 19 2023 - was told and its in my notes that if am treated as 'an outpatient there is high risk of death' - and my operation would take place in approx 4 weeks and upto 4 months as an outpatient - however I was discharged on 29th Nov 2023. To date I am still waiting for triple bypass and a new aortic valve. I find it extremely difficult to get firm answers and not empty promises - to date can't work or plan anything and by May work sick pay will end but when I explained this to medical team , it didn't seem to have any impact. Can just say I know and feel your frustration and bewilderment with the process and your condition.

Regards

[ABCheart in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for telling me your story, it’s good to share and as awful as it sounds to know it’s not just you waiting.

It’s frustrating not knowing what’s going on, they tell you what’s needed then leave you 😩

[paintbook]

so sorry that you and others who have to wait for so long, ( waiting myself, still don't know what for - have not been told yet) But one's life is just on hold and is a constant worry. There is no doubt that there is something terribly wrong with the system. It must be awful for you when it is a serious operation. Sorry I cannot offer anything more constructive; But the advice of the previous person seems worth following up.

[Hidden in reply to paintbook]

I must say that I cannot fault the medical and nursing care, it has been fantastic and caring. The main issue from my experience is the poor communication between medical professionals and departments - the other element is communication between patients/hospital/doctors other hospitals is very poor and they seem to use different methods- some email via electronic booking app others telephone and letters. Trying stay positive and active good luck to all.

[paintbook in reply to Hidden]

yes, I agree all the staff I have had contact with have been kind and helpful and caring, it is the system that isn't working , plus shortage of staff and beds.

[DWizza]

I’m so sorry to hear this, you must be feeling really frustrated . I was just explaining to Carsry how the waiting list outside of being in a hospital bed can take so long !

I hope you find a resolution to this . 👊🏻

[Mydog8it]

I've been waiting since the middle of November for a bypass (5)..... the hospital has an app for mobile phones and each week I have to fill in a questionnaire about my symptoms so they know how I am doing and that I am still alive 🙃

[ABCheart]

thank you for your reply’s, it is so frustrating as this has been going on since May 2023

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I hope your bypass operation goes ahead today as planned. However if it doesn't, you and others in similar circumstances might be interested in the information below which I came across on an NHS site which I have also linked.

What happens if my operation is cancelled at the last minute?

If the hospital or service cancels your operation at the last minute (on or after the day of admission) and for non-clinical reasons, they should offer another binding date within 28 days or fund your treatment at a date and hospital of your choice.

If you're not offered an appointment within 28 days, you should complain to your local ICB using the NHS complaints procedure.

If your operation is cancelled before the day of admission, the hospital or service is not obliged to provide an alternative option within 28 days.

However, your right to start consultant-led treatment within a maximum waiting time still stands. If cancelling your appointment results in you having to wait longer, you have the right to ask the hospital or ICB to move you to a different provider.

nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospita...

I have no idea how easy or difficult this procedure is to implement in practice but I believe it is useful to know it exists, and for the individual to decide if they wish to go ahead and explore what can be done should the need arise.

[gilreid1]

that seems a long time. What health authority are you under. I must have been fortunate to live in Aberdeenshire waiting time six to eight weeks for urgent bypass surgery. Not sure but maybe your cardiologist has not deemed you an urgent case which must be terrible. Try another area.

[ABCheart in reply to gilreid1]

I’m under Lancashire teaching hospital, I’ve been marked down as urgent. It’s not just the waiting time it’s the no communication, I feel like I’m in limbo with no we’re to turn

[gilreid1 in reply to ABCheart]

I would ask for alternative hospital. NHS web site say within three months?

[Happyrosie in reply to ABCheart]

PALS at your hospital

[Qualipop]

Oh that's so worrying to wait so long. I can think of two choices; either change hospital- you are allowed to go anywhere with a shorter waiting list or ask to be put on the cancellation list if you could go in at short notice.

[Lowerfield_no_more in reply to Qualipop]

Apparently only if the waiting list for your procedure is longer than the maximum specified for the treatment are you entitled to ask to be moved elsewhere. See here

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

or if your procedure is cancelled at the last minute under some conditions

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...