Are referrals happening right now?

[rowa30]

Hi everyone,

Late last year (November) I FINALLY received agreement from a GP that it's likely I have endo, after 20 years of suffering. She referred me to a local hospital, but was told that the hospital wasn't currently accepting referrals due to Covid, and we should try again in the new year. I got back in touch in January to suggest that she refers me to an NHS endo specialist centre, but she said that there's no point, as they won't be taking referrals.

My symptoms are getting worse, and I just feel so drained with it. So I wanted to know whether anyone has managed to get a referral recently? And whether you initially put the referral in very recently, or if it's a referral that's been rescheduled throughout the pandemic. Basically I want to see if it's worth bothering my GP again.

Thank you in advance!

[Razina]

Hi, I am in the same boat as you! My appointments kept getting cancelled or rescheduled due to the pandemic but you need to keep hassling them regarding a referral and then u will eventually get one. I would call the hospital appointment line direct to see what number you are on the waiting list or roughly when you will get your appointment. I was referred on 9th November 2020 and will now be seen 24th April 2021!!!!

[AJWebb]

I think there is hope! I had an internal ultrasound at the end of February, where they discovered a large endometrioma on my left ovary, and I've now got a (telephone) consultation with Gynae on 27th April. Who knows whether that will lead to anything happening in the near future, but the fact that I'm now in the hospital system is slightly reassuring. I think, as with everything, it depends on the area you're in, and the number of COVID cases they're having to deal with, and I got lucky. Fingers crossed for you, keep pushing!

[LME5]

Hiya! Keep at it, you should be able to get a referral. Your GP shouldn't be holding it hostage because of the pandemic. She should at least put it through as there is a good chance you will get seen. The only reason a GP would hold back a referral is due to budget. Most of the NHS budget has gone towards covid, but that doesn't mean your health and wellbeing should be secondary. Go back to your GP and insist she make the referral. I wish you the best of luck