Appointments and labs on the NHS

[mjinder]

I'm kinda stumped. I was referred to an endocrinologist back in January. I really just wanted to get an ultrasound to see what's going on with my thyroid. After multiple cancelled appointments, I finally had a phone consultation 5 weeks ago. They referred me for the ultrasound, and also sent me for blood work - and indicated they could prescribe both T3 and T4....

I still don't have any idea when the ultrasound will be, a week ago the endocrinology department told me to call radiology. And I still can't get through to them!

And even though I had the bloodwork done 3 weeks ago, I can't get any access to the results. I've called multiple times. The first time I was told they consultant would reach out eventually, but my GP would have been sent a copy. So I made an appointment with my GP, and they don't have them...called the endo dept back a week ago, and they said I would need to speak to the consultant, only then would they mail them. I've still not had a call back from the consultant, and now all my calls to the dept go to voicemail and they don't call back.

Is this normal? or utterly insane? What can I do? I got so fed up I made an appointment with a private Dr, but can't get hold of the lab work to send to him for my appointment

[SlowDragon Administrator]

NHS is frequently chaotic and long waiting time for endo’s at best of times.....obviously with pandemic it’s worse

You will see thousands of members on here get tested privately

Can see you have used Medichecks previously

Private scan is roughly £150

[fuchsia-pink]

I can only get blood results taken at the endo's hospital via the GP. The endo flat refuses to send me copies directly. So I'd keep on at the GP for them. You may also be able to persuade the GP (or secretary) to make the radiology appointment for you as well - got to be worth asking - as they may be able to email ...

It is RUBBISH though isn't it? Most GPs are closed (in terms of GPs actually being there). Endos aren't doing face appointments. Radiology don't answer the phone. Cancer patients are dying. Planned operations cancelled.

NHS the "envy of the world" - don't make me laugh ...

Rant over - hope you get what you need x

[mjinder in reply to fuchsia-pink]

Utterly rubbish! Given how low hospitalizations and deaths now are across the country, it's an absolute joke. My heart goes out to those who need potentially life saving diagnosis and care they are not getting. I'm not in that situation. But still, so annoying. I trekked across London (hour and a half each way) to get the blood drawn - I even asked them if I could have it done through the GP and they said no. And I've now spent all this time calling and on hold, to get nowhere.

I just called my GP back and they suggested I start over and get new tests done through them.

But I have to wait for an appointment. Even if I pay for Medichecks I'm still not going to have any results back in time for the private Dr appointment I already paid for. Arrrrgggghhhhhhh

[mjinder in reply to fuchsia-pink]

Oh wait it gets better - I just got a letter from the Endo dept...with an appointment time (I assume to discuss the blood work and prescribe medication) - the appointment is for NOVEMBER! By which time I will need new labs done as so much can change...

[mjinder in reply to mjinder]

And the consultant just called. Clearly my annoyance was directed in the right direction even though I couldn't get through to anyone. lol

And the bad news is my thyroid levels are lower than they were in May, even though I'm on double the dose of meds I was then...

[Lora7again in reply to fuchsia-pink]

I think someone I know might died because of lack of care during his chemo treatment ... the NHS have always been like this unfortunately and they are now using the coronavirus as another excuse for bad care. I do know they are starting to catch up on minor ops because 2 of my relatives have had surgery as outpatients.

I am due to have mammogram this year and I think that will be delayed as well.

[fuchsia-pink in reply to Lora7again]

If that's a routine mobile-thing in a library car park or wherever, I'm sure it'll go ahead - cos it doesn't involve doctors! My step-daughter is a radiographer and hasn't stopped during the pandemic [she doesn't currently do out-of-hospital mammograms but is busy mainly in A&E doing x-rays]. Just don't mention the doctor-only pay rises to her ...

[Lora7again in reply to fuchsia-pink]

Mine usually takes place in a hospital and I have been having them for 30 years now because my mother died from breast cancer. I am not too worried because up to now I have never been recalled except when I had some cysts which turned out to be hormonal and have now disappeared.