2nd opinion rejected

[DAML8]

My GP tried to refer me for a 2nd opinion as he was in agreement with me that i had been badly let down by my last Consultant. He tried to refer me out of area (only next town) so I would be under a different team to my previous experience. This referral was rejected on the grounds that they said ‘there’s nothing they can do for me’ and that i ‘need to seek counselling for phantom pain’. They never met me or contacted me! Not even a consultation! So how can they possibly reject and refuse to help me?! I was under the impression that everyone is entitled to seek a 2nd opinion if they wish but that doesn’t seem to be the case for me 😞

[Moon_maiden]

Your GP needs to work a tad bit harder on this and keep trying. If they think it is endo they have an obligation to make it happen, not give up. Are the two teams linked?

Are you up to putting in a complaint to PALS?

[DAML8 in reply to Moon_maiden]

My gp has been the only one that has supported me. He appealed their rejection and it was still denied. He’s been told he can no longer refer me out of area. I wrote a long, detailed email to pals and their reply was very minimal and not very helpful so now im abit stuck as to where to go from here?! My gp is calling me on Thursday so hopefully we can come up with a new plan.

[Moon_maiden in reply to DAML8]

You, and or your GP could complain to the CCG. Your GP could also contact NHS England for funding for a second referral and surgery. Only a doctor can apply.

Generally you can have a referral in or out of area, even Europe. I’ve never heard of a GP being told they can’t refer and everything passed to surgeries by the local CCG are guidelines not rules. With good reason they can challenge any CCG guidelines.

The GMC are the Dr’s governing body.

Over a different issue I bypassed PALS and went straight to the top. It was over space for wheelchairs or scooters in a large waiting room where there was none. Within a few days I had a letter saying space had been made. You could try complaining much higher up.

[DAML8 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thats all really helpful, thank you so much. How do i find out the contact details for ‘the people at the top’ if i need to bypass PALS?

[Moon_maiden in reply to DAML8]

Somewhere on the hospital web site should be contact info which includes the Chief Executive and a formal complaints contact number and email. PALS only does so much and although supposed to be independent I find is more on the side of the hospital.

[DAML8 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Great, i will get on the case today. Thank you for your help 😊

[Lofty1589]

I’m so sorry to hear this has happened to you. Out of area referrals CAN happen! I requested to be referred to a different hospital than what was my normal one where I previously lived. The GP was confused however, you have the right to request your treatment from any hospital.

I hope you get this sorted xx

[justmai]

That’s terrible are you in the UK?

[DAML8 in reply to justmai]

Yes I am

[justmai]

Have sent you a pm