Duration of a first NHS Endocrinologist Appointment

[Wua13262348]

Is a first, initial NHS Endocrinology appointment for hypothyroidism, which appears to be possible central hypo, genetic and suggestive of a pituitary tumour of 30 minutes duration, then thrown out regardless of time required to discuss the problem?

G.P. appointments are 10 mins. maximum. Are hospital referrals time restricted too, and if so to how long? Before Covid, appointments very rarely ran to time. You could sit and wait for hours . You were always seen late, never on time. I had a neurologist appointment during Covid restrictions, and it was 30 minutes on the dot, and seen at the exact time, so that patients were in and out, no waiting.

I had intended sending lots of various results, including genetic before the appointment, but have decided that , realistically, they would be unlikely to be looked at prior to, and outwith the appointment time , and would possibly be dismissed without discussion of the contents on the pretext that they had been studied prior to the appointment, when they won't have been.

I have seen advice on the forum previously that best to send information and previous results beforehand. In the current climate, when the NHS is in its death throws, I don't believe they will look at anything before the appointment. Anyone agree?

[Blondiejayjay]

goodness your glass really is half empty.

From experience of booking clinics in a hospital the Consultants have time slots allocated to them appts of 30mins is possible. Wait times can be for all sorts of reasons including called away into operating theatre. Urgent admissions etc.

Most prep their clinics beforehand so sending in any information such as test results prior to your appointment is definitely a good idea.

Make a bullet point list of things you want to address in your appointment to help you focus and if you haven’t got through your list request a further appointment.

Don’t be intimidated by anyone, some can seem arrogant but generally they just want to do the best they can for their patients.

Wishing you all the very best and I hope you have a positive experience and outcome

[waveylines]

On the whole I agree with Bluejayjay. From my own experience Consultants are a very varied bunch.... so researching who you are seeing is always a good idea if you want the best outcome. Consultation times vary and to some degree according to need. Some people maybe offered a longer period of time as a consequence. I've had consultations last 10mins to an hour. I think it will depend on how busy the clinic is.

These days they do try to run to time because covid is still out there and often there are some very vulnerable patients waiting to be seen. It's a question of balance.

I've found the good consultants appreciate information before hand the others either way won't make any difference.

I find it best to focus on what out come I'm seeking not the length of time I'm being offered. Some of my shortest consultations have been the best. My longest one the worst!

Hope it goes well for you..

[Hedgeree]

Hi Wua,

I've only had two NHS endocrine appointments before the third was cancelled a few days before my thyroid surgery.

The first wasn't very long (possibly about 20mins) but I did email information into the secretary which was mentioned during my initial appointment. So I would definitely send information prior to an initial appointment though I wouldn't swamp them with stuff as that may then get overlooked.

I was examined properly and fairly thoroughly and any questions asked got answered. This was a member of the endo's team, I never did get to see the actual endo themselves.

The endocrine department I went to is a very busy one and there was a bit of a wait before you get scene but the appointment wasn't rushed and I felt listened to.

So in answer to your question from my experience I would always send in information prior to an initial appointment. So I don't agree.

[pennyannie]

Way before Covid in 2017 I sent ahead by registered letter to the hospital, and by hand to my surgery, copies of papers i wished to discuss at appointment :

All seemed to be lost - even though the hospital endo secretary, with enough phone calls and messages left by me, confirmed my letter had arrived.

Listening to a video by Professor Sikora about getting better thyroid treatment he openly admitted you will comes across :-

delay, denial, deflection and discrimination on an age/sex basis as some of the tactics employed in what appears to be game of chess - he even suggested the good old standby throw away line of taking a man to appointments.

i just find to hard to play this game when unwell and not knowing the rules of the game, and simply wanting honest answers to questions.

[HandS]

We all have varied experiences in our treatment of thyroid issues. My most unsatisfactory Thyroid engagement has always been with GPs but once I have seen an Endo, treatment has improved.

This forum is a safe place for many of us to express frustration - as well as learning about our health issues - so try not to think all treatment is bad!

Absolutely send relevant information beforehand. Keep it concise and related to symptoms - and present in a way that is meaningful to how you want a clinician to respond. If possible, relate episodes chronologically to symptoms, if you are able to.

What outcome do you think you want from a consultation? If this is your first one with an Endo, the NHS Trust will usually be obliged to do their own testing before offering treatment.

I couldn’t disagree with you more about the state of the NHS. There are areas which are chronically and severely underfunded like Mental Illness treatment and services - but my experience of Endo treatment, Cancer treatment and orthopaedic surgeries have been second to none. I have been offered quicker, private appts by my Trust and turned them down in favour of a longer wait to stay within the NHS.

So - I’d say don’t prejudge the outcome but aim to work with your clinician. Accept that all clinicians work to guidelines and have severe time constraints. I do understand that it’s a stressful time which can make you fearful of not being listened to - but you can’t predict an outcome and also have to be prepared to listen .

I’ve never had a consultation with any discipline that has lasted longer than 30 minutes - and more usually about 15.

I sincerely hope you have a positive experience -

Best wishes