Rejected by Endo!

[MissFG]

Well would you believe it!

Due to my recent operation, issues with my thyroiditis and anaesthetic I asked my GP for an Endo referral as my GP’s have said they have no issue giving me T3 but need a specialist to recommend this.

As it’s been some time since I was under an Endo who discharged me due to a block on it at the hospital under insurance reasons, I thought I’d try again and pursue it if they turn me down with my local MP and NHS.

I had a telephone consultation which never happened so I’ve contacted the hospital to be told I was rejected!! Like what 😳 he hasn’t even seen me or communicated this to me it’s a joke 😂

So I got the secretary’s name and rang her, but she’s on annual leave so spike with another secretary. She checked & agreed I’d been rejected back to my GP. I expressed how unprofessional it was for this to happen and for me not to get any communication from the consultant. There was no reason on my hospital record so I’ve requested a formal letter detailing the reasons why I’ve been rejected so I can respond accordingly or complaint.

Well... I didn’t expect a huge fat NO before I’d even had a consultation. I believe I need it in writing so I can have clear facts as to why I can’t get a T3 trial which I’ve now been taking self medicating for nearly 3 years.

He obviously knows from my GP referral I’m on T3. So what’s your advice? Has anyone experienced this and how should I proceed? As I’ve every right to be looked after as an NHS patient and to do that I have to receive T3 through them. So that’s what I want and now I’m stronger I’m up for a fight if necessary!

By searching just now besides abuse I’d say he has broken many of my healthcare rights?!

What do my healthcare rights cover?

Your rights and responsibilities as a patient are set out in the NHS Constitution. These rights include:

access to health services

good quality of care

being treated by appropriately qualified and experienced staff

making decisions about medications and treatments

being protected from abuse and neglect

respect and confidentiality

complaining if you aren’t happy or if things go wrong.

[Lalatoot]

Endos are not obliged to accept a referral. There are quite a few on here who have been refused referrals.

[MissFG in reply to Lalatoot]

Ah I didn’t know that. But surely he has to justify why he’s rejected the referral? And put it in my medical notes?

Otherwise if they all refused how do we access specialist treatment?

[Lalatoot in reply to MissFG]

All he needs to say is that there is no need for you to be referred to him he doesn't have to justify it in medical terms.

[MissFG in reply to Lalatoot]

I’ll obviously pursue this further, but would appreciate others who have been in this position to advise what steps they took, and if any were successful

[Sallybones]

as I see it the stumbling block is between the GP and the Endocrinologist passing the buck to each other and you're piggy in the middle left hanging. Personally I'd put your dilema in writing to your GP and send a copy to the Endo and see what happens. Do it when you feel calmer, politely but firmly of course.

Hope you're successful MissFG xx

[MissFG in reply to Sallybones]

Thank you. I’m calm and was expecting to hit a brick wall but not quite this soon.

I thought my next step is to get my GP to refer me to a different Endo. It’ll be really interesting to see if they reject me too!

[Sallybones in reply to MissFG]

Endocrinologists are a strange bunch of people!!

[MissFG in reply to Sallybones]

Absolutely!

[louhop in reply to MissFG]

You may want to look at the list of Endos at thyroiduk that are more receptive to T3 than others. Then when you see you GP you can state where you want to go next. You can choose the clinic you attend though not necessarily the team member - but once I had the appointment I rang them to ensure I saw the right Endo

[MissFG in reply to louhop]

Thanks great idea!