NHS - stuck in limbo

[Freakuk]

I won't go into too many details, but back at the end of April/beginning of May I started to have some health issues, this led me to the docs who after a few weeks of back and to and various blood tests arranged a procedure at my local hospital. The procedure was on Friday 13th June and various biopsy's were taken and scans etc showed some inflammation/infection etc.

I was told it would take anywhere between 4-6 weeks to get the results of the biopsy's etc and it was around 3 weeks I was given the all clear from the biopsy's, but the inflammation/infection was/is still there.....

I'm now into 11 weeks since the procedure and I am still waiting for the next steps, I've left voicemails with the consultants secretary, I've rang PALS twice now and 10 days ago I went back to my GP frustrated to ask him what is going on. He wasn't happy as he said this should be pretty straight forward and can be treated with medication and he doesn't understand why it's taken so long to prescribe this to me, but his hands are tied, the medication has to be prescribed by the consultant at the hospital. The doc said he was going to write/escalate to him and if I hadn't heard anything by today I should go back to see him.

So I have called to make any appointment with him but cannot get in until the end of September, so another 5 weeks plus before he can get involved again.

My condition is manageable, but it's destroyed my summer as I cannot do much, go far so I feel housebound to lesser extend, my condition has improved, but I'm still not right.

So what can I do.....

I don't have private medical (I'd of exercised that if I had), do I pay to see a private consultant, will that be of any value, can he see my NHS records to check/confirm what I need, can he override the issue with prescribing medication? Or is there a way to escalate this back into the NHS outside of what I have tried so far.

[spangle82]

In my limited experience you need your GP to give you a private referral, then you go and see the relevant consultant privately. He can see the story so far, and you'll get seen and treated much faster. You just have to pay for it, but you'll get a quote or estimate before proceeding. If he doesn't think it's urgent or serious and you don't have insurance or aren't keen on the price he can refer you back to the NHS.

HTH!

[Huzzah]

Similar situation but heart related, not happy with the waiting time.

I checked the consultants listed on the website at my local Nuffield hospital, chose one and contacted them, and sent over current test results. I had a phone consultation within a couple of days. They put my mind at rest, sorted an initial prescription for meds, and referred me back to NHS.

Interestingly my NHS appointment came through much, much more quickly than anticipated. No idea if this was due to luck or the referral from the heart consultant.