Getting an appointment

[Belle76]

Hi I am wondering about appointments and waiting times, I have psoriatic arthritis, and my dad seems to have started with same symptoms as I had, (mines under control) he has been referred and GP has said they have put him as urgent case as he doesn’t have use of his hands as they are so swollen and pain full, I chased the hospital but they said they are not doing any appointments at moment, when I said GP has put him as urgent I was told 2 weeks by the hospital but has been longer.

It’s lucky he’s living with me or would be unable to prepare food etc.

[allanah]

Wgat a lovely daughter you are. It's so upsetting trying to get the help you need. Personally I'd call the gp and tell him how bad things are and,you still havent got the appointment as they can directly contact the hospital. Good luck and keep pushing like you are xxx I hope your dad gets seen soon x

[Belle76 in reply to allanah]

Thanks Allanah I will try the GP again as it’s been going on since before Christmas, it needs sorting soon as I know the damage it causes your joints.

[Hidden]

The situation regarding hospital appointments is dreadful just now. I was referred by my GP to see a respiratory specialist as urgent.

After two weeks of hearing nothing I rang them and was told that an urgent referral would be a wait of about 18 weeks and that if it wasn't urgent it would be 33 weeks. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I rang my GP and she was also appalled by it and said she would ring them to find out what she could do. She rang me back later and said what they had told me was true and she couldn't push it any further up the list but thought that in her opinion I should be seen much earlier than that. I enquired about going private and she supported me by saying it was worth a try. I rang up about it and was given an appointment for the following day. I think it is all so wrong that they can see a person so quickly when they can pay privately but keep them waiting for so long when they can't. I did take the option because of it being so important. So maybe (if you can afford it) that would be a way forward for you.

I am sorry to hear what you and your father are going through and I hope you are able to see someone who can help very soon.

[Belle76 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you holly-Willow. Might have to be an option as he is not able to do much and in a lot of pain too

[Hidden in reply to Belle76]

It would be worth it rather than go on like he is for a long time. xx

[Belle76 in reply to Hidden]

I will have a chat with him thanks