My experience will, no doubt, chime with many others.
I was referred, by the rheumatology clinic, for surgery on my knee. By the time I actually saw the surgeon (two months later), the problem had worsened so much that I now need a full knee replacement. It has been over six months and I still have no idea when this operation will be carried out. I had a "pre-op" in February and was told it is valid for six months (how can that be?). I finally had to stop work six weeks ago as my mobility and the excruciating pain became too much to bear. I had envisaged working up to the time of the operation. I now find myself in financial difficulty as I am only being paid Statutory Sick Pay, which doesn't even cover my mortgage payments. It doesn't seem that I am entitled to any other financial help from the state.
I have called the bookings department and the consultant's secretary, but have had no help or information from them. I have asked my GP to write to the consultant, but that hasn't made any difference. I have contacted PALS and they are looking into why I haven't had an appointment yet. I have told them that I am prepared to travel anywhere in this country or abroad to have this operation done, as I am in danger of losing my job altogether.
I am now beginning to notice that my "good" knee is failing due to the extra strain it is sustaining. The frustration of not knowing when I'll have this operation, not being able to get around, not being able to work, is causing so much stress. I just don't know what to do next.
If you are on SSP, it is treated the same as working and seems you may be eligible for working tax credit, also possibly council tax reduction. A call to Citizens Advice may help. I am just going through the minefield of the benefit system myself, after having finished work due to worsened neuro problems ( yep, still awaiting investigation ! ) I was getting pressured to hurry up and get a diagnosis ( how ? ! - the system works at one speed - slow ! ) so settled for mutual termination just to end the unpleasantness.
I take it your job is physical in nature - can work find you are less demanding ( seated ) role for the time being ? ( Reasonable adjustment for disability )
Are you using a stick to help with walking ? - takes the pressure off a bit. I wish that you, I and everyone else in this predicament were not having to go through this. Without sufficient funds to go private, I do not know what the answer is : (
Angela, thank you so much for your message. I feel for you, regarding terminating your job (sounds like a case for the employment tribunal?) and claiming benefits. I have trawled the benefits information on the internet and can't make head nor tail of it, so Citizen's Advice is the next stop. I can't claim working tax credits because I don't have children, but might be able to reduce my council tax.
I do walk with a stick and sometimes a walker, and they do help. Yes, my job is quite physical and I can't carry out some of my duties safely. There are office - based duties I can do, but my employer is not keen for me to do these long-term, he doesn't want to set a precedent (!?).
Good luck to you and I hope you receive some respite for your problems, soon.
Contact your local councillor. They will know who you need to contact in regard to benefit advice. Contact your local church and ask to speak to the church leader. They will have local knowledge on the things that can help.
The go to the CAB advice is good. Our local CAB has a debt counselling service and it is vital to hit the problem before it gets out of control.
It looks to me as if the delay is caused by the BMA dispute. An organisation I have the upmost distain for and refer to as the Bitching and Moaning Association, rather than the British Medical Ass. You can try other hospitals, and I would, but I suspect all elective surgery is being delayed.
If you are so inclined I would go to the press, it is about time the public stood up to the BMA and its inflated sense of entitlement. eg news@mailonline.co.uk
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I'm inclined to agree with you regarding the BMA dispute. I worked in pharmacy at an NHS hospital some ten years ago. We had to work Saturdays and Sundays without any pay. We were "owed" the time back, but were rarely allowed to take it, due to being understaffed. Needless to say, I exited that job as soon as I could. I can understand junior doctors not wanting to work weekends, but most other services have to, without any additional pay.
I have requested to have the surgery at another hospital, but was told I'd have to start the process all over again, so I can't see that being any quicker.
Update:
At last, I have a date for my surgery! As there was no communication from anyone regarding my issues, the PALS team suggested that I submit a formal complaint. This seemed to get things moving. It transpired that the CCG had withdrawn funding for my op. because I did not fit the "criteria". This was decided by someone who has no medical training going through a tick box exercise. As I was referred by the rheumatology clinic and not orthopaedics I had not completed certain treatments required before surgery is necessary. These treatments are not beneficial to rheumatology patients. The worse thing is that this wasn't communicated to anybody. Anyway, funding has now been reinstated and my operation is booked. However, I still haven't received any acknowledgement of my formal complaint.
I wish I could offer you some good news. Try a negative comment on "Patients Opinion" in the hope the hospital pulls their finger out. I have lost my job, but they have not bothered to speed things up - 2 year plus with a herniated disc, terrible pain leading to a heart attack, but the NHS don't care. Professional career up the swanny. Wish I could be more positive, but the best option is to leave the UK or consider hanging from a tree. The NHS will not get any better whilst the Unions control it. I DO really hope you get the treatment you badly deserve. Complain and SHOUT SHOUT SHOUT. Best wishes!
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