Awful gynae appointment update - discharged back to GP

[GrouchoSparx]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd give you an update on my awful experience with a gynaecologist a few weeks ago.

So after I complained to PALS, I was given a full apology from the hospital, told my experience had been forwarded on to the clinical directors, and was offered a second opinion. I accepted the second opinion.

However, today PALS have once again emailed, reneging on their offer of a second opinion, and discharging me back to my GP.

Has anyone else been in this situation before?

I know my GP will refer me back again, because the endometrioma needs removing, but is there anything else I can do?

I'm going to ask that the original complaint be escalated to an executive complaint now, and book an appointment with Citizens Advice, but have I not thought of anything else? I've even been in A&E again over Christmas because of the pain and heavy bleeding, so it's obvious I need some kind of treatment.

[Sabrinacolada]

Hi,

So sorry to hear about this, its truly awful and frustrating especially when in pain. Did they say why they no longer will accept your refferal?

I think you are doing the right thing. From experience of the hospital near me first they say raise with PALS then if unsatisfied do a formal complaint form etc which is my case ended up being dealt with by the women's health manager for the hospital. Could also try the integrated care board/ ICB for your region ( ask PALS, found mine online) or if nothing is happening after the formal complaint response - I ultimately wrote to the chief executive.

Unfortunately I ended up going private in between to get help for my symptoms ( the BSGE endo specialist for the hospital at a private clinic) once I saw him he put me back on his nhs list. It shouldn't be that we have to go private but unfortunately it was the only time I felt heard.

Ensure you put all symptoms affecting you, I normally put dates visited a&e and the significant impact on your life. Get your gp to refer you again and if necessary ask them to send an expedite letter and ask their drug recommendations in the mean time. It's so unfair and I really wish you good luck and hope it can be sorted soon.

❤ Sabrina x

[Avourneen]

Well done you for putting in the complaint and actually getting someone to listen to you. That is a big achievment , sadly though sounds like PALs are just as crap as many other features of the NHS. Where are you based ? Can you afford to see a consultant privately? You would then at least get some help, I'd recommmend getting a proper scan privately and a priavte referral to a doctor who wants to help. Some NHS surgeons are great but if you go private you are treated as a customer and the doctors generally make an effort to be helpful and are rarely downright rude etc. I hope you get somewhere. Good luck.