Liver Cirrhosis - late ultrasound scans

[chicoliver505]

Who has experienced late hospital appointments for liver ultrasound scan tests since the outbreak of COVID in 2019? I am constantly worried about not receiving automatic dates and have had to telephone the Hepatology dept several times every time mine is due and the appointments are becoming later and later. I feel guilty doing it because I am aware of others that are suffering. Liver cancer is always on my mind as I have Liver Cirrhosis. I would go private but can’t afford it. I’m thinking of writing a letter to the head of department but don’t want to appear a nuisance.

[Hidden]

Hi,

We are hearing that there are some delays due to Covid in NHS trusts and we are in communication with NHS leads and public health to determine the extent.

We would suggest it may indeed to be a good idea to escalate your concerns to the lead liver consultant and also PALS at the hospital.

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

I will PM you, please check your messages.

[chicoliver505 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for the reply. I will phone the Hepatology dept today to find out why it is delayed and also write to my Consultant of whom I have great respect for and am sure he will give me an explanation and deal with my concerns of not I will write to PALS.

[AyrshireK]

In our health board area doctor can't just put in a request for a 6 month rolling programme for u/s so has to order each time about 3 months before. On MANY occasions since hubby was diagnosed (in April 2012) his 6 months has come and when i've asked at ultrasound department whether it's been ordered i've found out that it hasn't been and normally there is a 12 week wait SO hubbies consultant has said for me to 'chase him' via email to secretary to make sure it's ordered timeously. During the early part of covid hubby went 9 months without scan, it's due again next month so I am going to be chasing today to make sure it is ordered.(The squeaky wheel gets attention, you are not being a pest, you are being your own health advocate and you are within your rights to be monitored as per guidelines).

Katie

[chicoliver505 in reply to AyrshireK]

I did think it was a universal thing and not just because they have gotten behind. Thank you for explaining it to me. I was diagnosed in 2011 and cleared of Hep C (after treatment) in 2013. I have stage 4 compensated and it’s been a constant worry. I’ll chase up with the Hepatology dept and PALS if I have to. Thank you for your reply.