Waiting times...

[Laura229]

So a little rant and a little advice needed... I am still waiting for a letter with my results on from my first appointment with a Rheumatologist. My appointment was back in November... I have called and spoken to the department four times, last time was today and I actually got through to the consultant's secretary who said she would "put it at the top of the pile" for the consultant to sign off, she was very lovely an everything but it is really getting me down.

Is this a normal waiting time for feedback/ results? As I am seriously considering putting in a complaint to PALS. I know how pressurised the NHS is and I know it is the system that is at fault rather than individuals (and I highly doubt I would even be here if not for a quick thinking midwife, and an excellent surgeon.... and certainly that action saved my son's life!) so, very, very grateful an all but it's getting me down that I am still waiting to hear back from them!!!! Even my GP was a bit taken a back, as he referred me in July, I got the first appointment in November.... so I feel like I have been waiting AGES!

Anyone else had the same sort of wait? Do I need to start camping out at the Rheumatology department?

Thanks

Laura

[Purpletop]

That's far too long. I'd pester that nice secretary every other day from now on, or actually I'd email the consultant directly. If you only have the secretary's email address, write a formal email and request again. If you don't get far with that, write a formal letter to the consultant asking for your report saying that you not only need it for your file but also for your other doctors to continue to treat you. If that doesn't work, complain to PALS.

[Laura229 in reply to Purpletop]

Thank you for your reply. I did think it was too long but wasn't sure what was a normal time to wait. That's my next course of action as I've checked the website and I do have the secretary's email address. Thankyou.

[Suzie]

Lots of hospitals have had massive budget cuts in departments like typing. Their are guidelines for timescales but with reduced funding these just go out the window. As for your original referral taking so long, i guess it's down to availability and budgets again. Things have got much worse in the last 3 years, more and more hospitals services are being run by private companies. The NHS is being privatised in front of our very eyes.

Talk to PALS, explain that the staff are helpful but that the timescale is unacceptable, they can feed that back to managers and maybe it will help.

Good luck.

[Laura229 in reply to Suzie]

It's so depressing that the nhs is being driven into the ground in front of our very eyes... I have two very good friends who work in the nhs so I realise the pressure they're under and hate to complain...but I'm going to try pals if nothing else works!! Thanks xx

[lucyduke]

Hi, I am new to this forum but have had similar problems myself so thought I would contribute. My initial referral took 6 months and further referrals were going missing along with test results. To push things along you should know that from the date of referral you have the right to start *treatment* within 18 weeks. This includes all tests etc. I would suggest calling them and let them know you are aware of this fact and it should definitely speed them along. If treatment doesn't start within 18 weeks you have the right to complain and get treatment at a place of your choice privately and have the costs recovered. If you are referred from one specialist to another, unfortunately the 18 weeks does start again.

Hope this helps.

[lucyduke]

Further information can be found; nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Right...

[Laura229 in reply to lucyduke]

Thanks Lucy for the advice xx