Wales and BSGE

[Jess96]

Does anyone on here live in Wales and have been referred to a specialist centre on the NHS?

Years ago when I was chasing the idea of having my first laparoscopy, I was told that my doctor, and the general hospital couldn't refer me to a specialist centre on the NHS. I was told that those are the rules in Wales, which are different to the rules in England. It was said that if I want to go to a specialist centre, I would have to go private and pay.

Is this true? Has anybody else had this happen? Or has anyone been referred to a specialist centre for free on the NHS?

Thanks. Jess.

[Lovisa]

Hello I'm in the Vale area and got my GP to refer me to the BSGE in Cardiff on the NHS.

[Jess96 in reply to Lovisa]

Hi, thanks for your reply. Did your GP refer you straight away? Or did you have to have a lap at the general hospital before they referred you to a specialist centre?

Thanks in advance

[Lovisa in reply to Jess96]

I had my first lap years ago in Neath but wanted to see a specialist endo doctor so I gave my GP the name of two consultants and he wrote off to them.

[Pheebeh]

I’m in Swansea waiting for a lap, but on the local wait list although with a gynae who supposedly is the endometriosis specialist for my area.

I spoke to the endo center in Cardiff when it all came about to find out whether I should go see them instead and they explained to be able to get on their waiting list I’d have to be referred by my GP or go private. I was 4 months into waiting for my op so I figured I’d hold out.

Still waiting though, hoping desperately for some news.

[Jess96 in reply to Pheebeh]

Thank you for your reply. I might actually contact my nearest specialist centre and ask them if my GP can refer me. My GP told me that he doesn't have the ability to refer me, for some reason.

I don't blame you for holding out after the 4 months of waiting. I hope everything goes well for you. Good luck

[blahblah22]

Sounds a little like my GP! Consultant urologist referred me in the end but my GP did say he would have looked into it if not , so do think it's possible but maybe you have to apply a little pressure! Go armed with all the information your GP may require as my experience would suggest half of them don't even know of the specialist treatment centres.

Hope you get some sense out of them soon !

[Jess96 in reply to blahblah22]

It's so annoying that they have the power to help us, but for some reason are reluctant. I used to live in England, and found out about possible Endo after I had moved to Wales. My GP in Wales told me that it's a rule in Wales where he doesn't have the authority to refer me to a specialist centre on the NHS. It's baffling.

Thank you for your advice. I've got an appointment with my GP tomorrow, so I will press him about it. If he still says that he can't, I will ring a specialist centre and inquire about if it's possible.

Thank you!