Delay with Hospital appointments - Macular Society

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Delay with Hospital appointments

piglets profile image
5 Replies

Are Hospitals obliged to provide appointments for lucentis injections within a specified time. Mother attended usual check up on 21st September 2017 when she was informed she could have one injection if she wished as there was a slight bleed. She agreed and I asked for an afternoon appointment and the Doctor assured me the file would be appropriately marked. This request was made as mother is 92 and takes at least four hours to prepare herself for the day. An appointment was then provided for 13th October 2017 at 8.30 am which would mean her rising no later than 4.00 am. I telephoned the Hospital the day after receiving the letter and was advised the computer was down and they would call back. No return call and have subsequently phoned four times and it was only with persistence I obtained an appointment. I was advised there were no afternoon clinics - odd as we have attended same previously, then she mentioned the earliest being week of 23/24th October when I advised I could not attend those two dates due to work commitments but was available for the remainder of that week I was told the only appointment available is 30th October 2017. The Receptionist advised it was imperative mother received the injection urgently of which I am aware and stated she has marked the records that this the earliest date a relative is available to assist with transport.

Totally wrong and misleading - there are only four dates I am unavailable during October and I am wondering if I should raise issue with the Hospital Administrator. I can only surmise that if mother's sight deteriorates in the interim the blame will rest with me.

Quite clearly an earlier appointment could probably have been secured had my initial call on 26th September been dealt with immediately instead of eight days later.

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piglets
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5 Replies
Eyelet profile image
Eyelet

Sadly I think it's pressure on the N H S waiting lists that are causing your appointment problems.

Often consultants don't have the up to date info re appointments that is not their job .

Maybe if you asked for as late as possible an appointment for your mother and tried to take less than four hours to get her ready, it would be manageable . I think there are many people in similar situations put those numbers and situations together and nothing would ever be done.

As it is so important for her to have the injection and difficult for you to take certain times from work, is there anyone else who could take her?

I find most hospitals are very accommodating re appointments if you discuss it with them.

Hi piglets, so sorry to hear this, for you and your dear mum x

I would definitely complain. It seems to me your mum's situation requires and deserves a bit of special attention. Ask for a flag to be put on her notes re appt time etc..

I did this on mine so I wouldn't have a specific Dr and it worked.

Don't beat yourself up. I don't know if there's a limit for on going treatment ( I suspect not) but the delay doesn't sound too bad - I've been longer and ok .But I would get mum to check the amsler and if sight gets noticeably worse take her to a&e at a time that suits you where they can get the on call eye consultant to do the inj if necessary or at least put your mind at ease.

Best wishes x

Push very hard with the consultant's secretary if no immediate positive response tell them that you are contacting PALs.

Do not wait.

Rosalyn-helpline profile image
Rosalyn-helplinePartner

Dear piglets,

I am sorry to read of your concerns.

Obviously as the eye clinic have identified a slight bleed, then it is important that your mother has an injection as soon as possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us on the Macular Society helpline for further discussion.

I am copying links to our booklets on Treatments and our Essential guide to wet AMD:

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

macularsociety.org/sites/de...

The Macular Society helpline is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0300 3030 111.

Alternately, you can contact us via:

help@macularsociety.org

Kind regards,

piglets profile image
piglets in reply to Rosalyn-helpline

Thanks for the info - much appreciated.

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