Guys Hospital apt to see Prof D'Cruz-Does he still work there?

[Bee1london]

Hi, I have an apt coming up to see Prof D'Cruz at Guy's Hospital. I noticed a thread on Facebook which mentioned someone had an appointment there recently and was told he doesn't work there anymore/ that they only call on him if they need him. Does anyone know if this is correct? Been waiting months to see him so really hope it isn't true.

[happytulip]

I saw him in July and have a follow up with him in December so I hope so. You could always phone them and ask?

[Sophia]

I have the same issue. I have been a patient of Prof D’Cruz for two years and received the same letter. I called them up and apparently he is too busy because everyone wants to see him so we’ll be seem by whoever is there (my hunch is the SpRs) and if needed, he will pop into advise. To me this is a recipe for disaster and I am sure most of us won’t be happy about this. I want to see how it pans out and if I am not happy, I shall complain to PALS. It is all management that’s trying to cut costs, I’m sure but lack of continuity of care can have negative effect on patient outcomes. But they won’t know we are not happy unless we tell them! Hope this helps. I know it is not the news you wanted to hear but at least you know what to expect. I would think though that Prof D’Cruz would be seeing new patients himself for the one-off but who knows?

[Bee1london in reply to Sophia]

Thanks Sophia, that is really useful to know. I saw him at London Bridge privately and he recommended a referral to see him at Guys. Have been on the waiting list for months so was really hoping for some continuity of care. My local consultant left recently and her replacement isn't great so was really hoping I'd get the chance to see him. Keep me posted on how things go and if you go the PALs route.

[61Annie]

Just to assure you he is still there, I saw him on 20th October along with a rheumatologist and specialist registrar - excellent care.

[ange726]

I saw him in August at Guys but I did see one of his team first and he popped in for the last few minutes for a chat. That was after I waited 3.5 hrs in the waiting room. He is a world renowned lupus specialist so I'm not surprised he is a busy man. As he oversees me I'm not concerned. Good luck for your upcoming appointment x

[Sophia]

Well, the news is that as of last Friday Prof D’Cruz will only be seeing new patients for a one-off. The rest of us who attend clinic for follow-ups will see whoever happens to pick up our file and Prof D’Cruz will be “floating” around the clinic advising if necessary. Let’s see how that will work out...

[AnnS]

I telephoned the nurse last week because I've suddenly become extremely ill with what could be a serious complication. I was told the same about Prof D'Cruz 'floating' but she said she would speak to him and get back to me. That was 8 days ago and I've heard nothing. Meanwhile, my condition has deteriorated and local doctors are starting from scratch in an attempt to establish what's going on.

I've been under the care of the Louise Coote Unit for over 10 years, with relatively stable disease but the one time I really need them, I feel badly let down.