Hey, I last saw my specialist mid April and he said they'd see me in 4 months time but I'm yet to receive an appointment letter in the post. (It's now been 5 months) I was only diagnosed in January so it's all quite new to me.
I'm still suffering quite badly and I still have symptoms that I have yet to be able to discuss and new symptoms too so I am quite keen to get this all sorted. Is it okay for my to call my hospital and prompt them regarding my next appointment or will this be useless? Or should I see my GP for this? I feel pretty left in the lurch to be honest.
I've never had to use the NHS much in my adult life and I have no idea what is acceptable in this kind of situation. Thanks.
Hello eescvc,
People often miss follow-up and review appointments because there are so many links in the chain. I have nearly missed several, with various specialities, because I thought they would be contacting me, only to discover that they were waiting for me to contact them and others because an appointments clerk has given me a different date to the one that subsequently arrived in the post.
Definitely do ring the Rheumatology Department directly and explain the situation. Don't be afraid to say that you are struggling and need some specialist advice at the earliest opportunity. Beware being put through to the Health Board's generic 'Booking Centre' or 'Out-Patients Appointments Desk' - go for the Rheumatology Dept directly. You might be able to sneak into a cancellation, but also should be able to ask a question or two over the phone. My rheumy nurses will answer questions and pass on questions/answers/info to the consultant sometimes. Remember it's the squeaky wheel that gets oiled! x
I agree , i have phoned my consultants secretary in the past and it has never been a problem they have been very helpful and got back to me with the information. Good luck x
Me too! This approach has worked for me several times over the years. Thanks to whisperit, now i remind myself to think “squeaky wheel”. hope you’ll let us know how you get on XOXO