When (and how) to start asking when I might be scheduled for surgery

[OllieF]

I had a meeting with a doctor at Kings College Hospital in London at the end of November 2019 and was put on the list for a laparoscopy. I haven’t heard anything since and am starting to wonder whether I should be contacting them to ask. I understand that waiting lists can be very long and the pressures hospitals are under so maybe I am being naive, I guess I just had some idea I might be a bit closer to starting to get things sorted out. I have also heard some people have found it helps to be persistent, which I am a bit shy of but maybe at this point need to start doing for my own sake. In this case who do you contact, the doctor or the department, or even the appointments people? I just feel like I have no clue or real contact or guidance from them as to what happens next

[Thecraftyadder]

As a first step I'd contact your consultants secretary to ask for an idea of the waiting times. If they are not the right person ask them to forward you on to those who book the admission. If you don't have their details you might find them on the hospital website. Personally I normally email them if there is an address to give them time to make enquiries. You might state that you could take a cancellation (if you are in a position to do so) in order to speed things up. If you don't already know ask them if you are listed as urgent or routine. Make sure to give your details, hospital number and date you saw the consultant.

I'm not good at chasing things up by phone and find email easier. I've done this for a number of hospital appointments and I've always had a reply back.

[OllieF in reply to Thecraftyadder]

Thank you, this is really helpful