hi can anybody tell me how i can find a good hospital/sugeon on the NHS in ESSEX for heart bypass surgery?

[pinkstar]

[sandybrown]

Hi,

My understanding is that a GP write a referral letter and one wait goes on the waiting list and wait for an appointment, this can take time. On the private side the insurance company decide where you go and who you see depending up on the cover!. Under blue light flashing conditions where there is a bed available.

[pinkstar in reply to sandybrown]

thanks we dont have any insurance

[pinkstar]

thanks i will have a look

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Do your research online...gp's will have names of heart surgeons in their area and may have some idea of how good they are but don't rely on them. If you have a recommendation ask your GP to write to them...NHS or private..these days we have the choice. Problem is the best will always be the busiest..so if there is no immediate urgency research, ask everyone you know..if you get a name google it, look for experience and hospital statistics. But always remember that most heart consultants will be excellent....the not so good ones soon get known but be assured they are a very small minority.

[Hidden]

An aside...I've just read Bala's reply....some insurance companies will have a list of consultants who accept their fee structure....but the decision is yours....if you need to top it up that's up to you, if you have a preferred consultant discuss it with them. Some insurance companies will deal with certain hospitals and the consultants who go there. At a time when you need everything to be straightforward it never is.. Sadly our NHS is in crisis and has been for many years....I feel for you and hope for a speedy recovery and hope someone in your area is reading this blog.

[meganbelle]

Hi Pinkstar, go to your doctor and ask him about choose and book he will give you a selection of hospitals you can go to for surgery you can then decide the best hospital, and consultant for you.good luck meganbelle

[sandybrown]

All,

As we in UK are under NHS, we all need a referral letter from our GP, this is to pass the gate keeper to a consultant for any medical problem private or NHS.

I can find a list from the web but will the specialist look at me without nay referral letter? If I go to India or Sri Lanka, yes I can walk into a specialist to get treatment with out and delay, this money speak!

Referral letter is a temporary permit to access a UK specialist, therefore I am afraid we have to face reality check in UK. Wish you all the best in finding a good specialist and hospital.