ENT waiting list of one year

[BerkeleyB]

Hi All

I was told today that, due to the pandemic, all routine ENT appointments are on hold and also that when it does resume the waiting time is approximately one year!

I am hoping that the doctors will have sympathy and re-diagnose my tinnitus as a 'non-routine' but does any have any similar experiences? Can you go private?

Happy new year

[rabbits65]

Hello BerkeleyYes I booked a private appointment. Ask your GP to write a referral. I had the same problem as you, my GP referred me back in March and there was a 10 month wait then. So I had two appointments and an m.ri

scan , this put my mind to rest . I then asked to be put back on the NHS as naturally I couldn’t afford anymore private.

In my case nothing structural was found. I am really no better and back to square one .

Good luck

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Berkeley - private referrals are always possible, although cost is a factor. You may get the same ultimate verdict as you would from seeing an NHS consultant, but for a lot of people there is a value to being reassured that their tinnitus doesn't originate from a scary underlying health condition and for that reassurance to come quickly.

I think speed of access is frequently the thing which separates the NHS and private services, rather than any difference in the quality of care.

[BambooFighting]

I have been waiting for a consultant to even take a look at my referral for 3 months now. Was told the same thing about separation of urgent and routine, but the person on the phone also told me to contact PALS if I didn't think my referral had been handled properly. I did that and since my GP had sent a letter telling them the condition had gotten worse and effected me mentally and stopped me sleeping, they would see what they can do and get back to me. Just waiting for the return phone call now.

[Hidden]

Hi Berkeley, I am in the same boat .Fed of with NHS slow response , they kept me waiting and waiting for ages. Now I have booked private ENT tomorrow despite my low budget .

After all, health is wealth. I wish someone could invent the magical cure of tinnitus . Even Brain tumours, cancers are treatable at many cases why not Tinitus? I am wondering.