Hi everyone. Bit of a daft question coming but does anyone know if you are able to see a consultant out with your own health board area? My previous consultant was fantastic but transferred to one of the Greater Glasgow Health Board hospitals from Lanarkshire. Since then I’ve been seeing another consultant and putting it bluntly they are dire and my health has gone downhill. I don’t mind travelling or waiting to see them if it’s a possibility (I haven’t seen my current consultant for 2 years, passed to a different registrar each time so don’t mind waiting). Just wondered if this was possible. Thanks. X
Consultant Rheumatologist : Hi everyone. Bit of a... - LUPUS UK
Consultant Rheumatologist
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You would have to ask around in Scotland - the system is different there. In England you CAN go outside your local area, I suspect it is rather more difficult in Scotland.
Hi, I'm actually an in patient at the moment and have just asked one of the doctors. His reply was that you see see the doctors in your own catchment area, the other possibility is going private
Carol thanks so much for asking, that is so good of you especially when you’re in hospital. I hope you’re ok. I looked on the BMI and Nuffield websites and she doesn’t do private work. I might just see if there is someone else on there. Thanks again and you take care of yourself. Sending you hugs 🤗🤗
Hi thanks for that 😁. Went to the jubilee for lung biopsies nearly 4 weeks ago then ended up in Monklands after a day and a half home. Looking good for discharge tomorrow 🤞🤞. I really do hope you find a consultant you can have faith in
Yes that's correct, I was referred out of catchment area for procedure then back to the care of my usual consultant
Hi there, consultant is awful but I doubt the health board would agree with that. Thanks for replying. X
If you had a great relationship with your original Rheumatologist then I would write her a letter and ask if she could see you. If you don’t ask …. You never know she could have a solution
Thank you I have ask to see another consultant and waiting for a reply, will keep you informed.
It all depends on where there are contracts. So for example here there are contracts with two different health trusts one in the county and one outside. it is very difficult when you get 'stick' with a consultant you don't feel confident in to get it changed.
A lot of NHS Rheumatologists do rounds in private clinics as well as their NHS clinics. It may be worth researching the doctor and seeing if it is possible to see them privately if you are having no luck being referred to them through your GP
I do know of several people who live in Lanarkshire, and attend hospitals in Glasgow......it's quite common.I suggest you do write to the consultant and ask. You would not be the first.
Good luck!x
M having the same issues seeing a rheumatologist it’s been 18 months
Hi Froggie70, after a dingdong with the sole rheumy at my board (20th Mar 20....he was claiming pandemic guidance said all treatment should be stopped..), the board offered to transfer me to Edinburgh...clinical guidelines say one rheumy 86,000 population so there's no other option...however it could be a wait of years to get on another rheumy's list on the NHS in Scotland due to the pandemic...I paid £175 for a private Appt
Be safe and well xx
Hi eekt thanks so much for replying. Unfortunately this consultant doesn’t seem to do private work (checked both Nuffield and BMI websites). Hope you got on ok. Take care. X
Hi Froggie70, I saw a new rheumy privately just for a look at the bigger picture as the NHS one was the 'that's not lupus' type..! xxx
Hi eekt. There’s a lot of that type about. I think I’m going to go private even just for a second opinion. My new(er) consultant is so dismissive even tried to put me back on tablets I’d previously had a bad reaction to and since covid it’s been different registrars I’ve spoken to/seen and they just kick the can down the road. The previous consultant was great, it almost felt like a partnership and she was really proactive (got things moving when I had knee pain which resulted in a replacement as my joint was apparently like honeycomb when it came out). Only thing that worries me with going private is that I can afford a consultation but funds won’t stretch much further so worried if they say they want to do any further tests. Suppose I’ll cross that bridge if I come to it. Thanks again and take care. X
So sorry to hear that.
I was asked to re-start hydroxy by the aforementioned rheumy after having palpitations and an all-over rash that kept spreading for a week after I stopped...and that was from just two weeks on it! 😜
The private rheumy was happy to refer me back to the NHS for all tests...it'll be a couple of years' wait for an MRI though (possible anklosing spondylitis), so I'm saving for that! All the best! xxx
Hi eekt, I was the same on hydroxy, palpitations, thought my heart was coming out my chest and that was after 1 tablet. Had to get taken to hospital. She wanted me to give it another try and I wasn’t keen (obvs) so she got grumpy about it. My GP actually contacted me to say he had seen the notes and he wasn’t happy to write the prescription and thats been me since, still on the MTX and between 6 and 8 cocodamol every day. I’ve decided I’m going to go private. You take care and thanks for reaching out. XX
Shocking. Some docs seem to think prescribing something (anything) is better than nowt....my rheumy tried to persuade me to re-start HCQ with the words 'it DOES do something...I've read about it'...😅
Fare well with your new private rheumy! Take care xxx
HiYou can ask your GP to refer you to a Consultant In a different health board. Hopefully you have a good GP and he / she will understand your predicament.
Good luck!