My doctor sent for an urgent referral for a breast screening due a lump in my breast 3 weeks ago. It is NHS policy that I should have had my appointment in three weeks. However, I still have not received a letter 3 weeks later, let alone had an appointment. I have been on the phone to the hospital and have realised it is the hospital's incompetency (Queen's Hospital, Essex) that has led to the wait being so long.
Is there any way I can ring around NHS hospitals to find a shorter waiting time and book my own appointment?
This is causing a lot of stress- I am only 19 and am very worried as there is a lot of breast cancer in my family.
I am not sure about this, but can I suggest two possible ways? First, it is possible to self-refer to one of the two national cancer centres - Christies in Manchester and the Royal Marsden in London. Ringing them direct may get an earlier appointment. Second, if you can afford it, you can go private - your GP can arrange this - at a cost of about £200.