I had a pacemaker fitted 7 years ago for my AV block type 3. I hadn't received an appt for my annual check up so called the GRH cardiology dept - was told all appointments are running at least 6 months late, staff shortages.I'm not happy about this, and wondered if it's possible to use a different NHS trust than the one I'm registered in - N Gloucestershire.
Anyone know if that's possible?
It might be difficult transfering as not all hospitals having pacing facilities. Do you have a home monitor?
a possible exploration might be to contact the organisation responsible for health in your area. They change their names so often that I’ve forgotten the latest name, in my hospital they are still shown as the Clinical Commissioning Group but I think that changed a year or two back. Somewhere within the NHS website is an explanation.
Another possibility is the PALS at your hospital.
I know that for operations you are entitled to move around a bit but for general follow up I’m not so sure.
Best of luck! !
hi, have a look on the card you carry to show that you have an ICD fitted, there should be a dedicated number shown. Good Luck
Hi simonav3, it's not possible to transfer to another NHS Trust, only option is to go private. Best wishes.
RING THE HOSPITAL.
A simple search will come up with prices c.£165 for a pacemaker test. That said, if the pacing check was to reveal any issues then you could find yourself in a state of limbo. If further tests are needed you would either have to pay for them privately or your GP would have to make a further cardiology referral.
FWiW, there are some very good heart hospitals. My daughter has complex congenital heart issues and is a NHS patient at The Liverpool Heart Hospital. After a recent pacing check, she was called in for a blood test. No sooner had she walked through the door, she underwent a series of tests (Echo et al) and was seen by a specialist cardiac nurse about 90 minutes later. This is their new way of doing things to manage consultant time.
I know it's annoying to have a routine appointment put back, but that seems to be the way the NHS is operating these days.
If you are still feeling fine, I wouldn't worry too much as the annual check is mainly to make sure the pacemaker is still working properly and to check the battery life - not really to see how you are, unless there is something unusual on the download.
I changed address to a new area about 5 months ago and am due my annual check very soon , so your post has reminded me that I need to arrange something.
I hope you can get it sorted out soon.
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