UK People - NHS Referral Question

[Piranha]

Hi all,

I'm not getting anywhere with my current NHS gastro. You can't book an appointment, you just have to wait for him to review your case and send you an appointment by letter. The whole process takes weeks and months and that's just for a consultation! When I am lucky enough to see him he seems reluctant to try anything new despite history repeating itself over and over. I've been admitted as an emergency and operated on twice while waiting to see him for appointments that were months in advance. I have been on the same meds throughout.

With the last bout, temporary stoma etc I swore that I wasn't going to let it get that far again and now the symptoms are starting to show again so I am thinking about ditching him and finding someone else.... the question for those UK people is how do you do this?

Obviously the NHS is a free service and I don't want to seem ungrateful or anything but does anyone know if I can just see my GP and ask him to refer me to someone else? If so can it be anyone nationally or am I stuck within my local Primary Healthcare Trust?

I don't really want to raise an official complaint because it's probably as much the organisation's fault as the gastro's so I thought it would be better to simply vote with my feet.

Someone I know in a different area of the country gets an excellent service... he just rings and books an appointment! If only!

thanks

Alex

 

[StarGirrrrl]

Yep, just see your GP to ask for the referral and yes it can be anywhere nationally.

 

[Piranha]

Thanks!

 

[Astra]

Hope this helps Piranha
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/engla...care_nhs_healthcare_e/nhs_patients_rights.htm

 

[xSophiexx]

Piranha please do not accept bad care. i know its hard as its as if we should put up with whatever we get just because its free but the truth is your health could be affected due to their loooong waiting lists. my gi will always manage to fit me in even if its at the end of a clinic or an extra clinic if needed. please dont settle with this!

 

[KazT17]

I can usually see my consultant within a week. Do you have contact numbers? I can ring the gastro appointment line and they have me in to see him as soon as possible. Ask your hospital switch board for the number. When I was really bad I could see him the day I called. There are a team of doctors and I can see any of them for a second opinion the same way. Xx

 

[UnXmas]

You're always entitled to a second opinion if you go to your GP and ask them to refer you to someone else. Also if you have any new or worsening symptoms you can be referred to someone new again. I've had way more than two referals for the same conditions - part of it is left to your GP's discretion.

Not being able to book an appointment is not that unusual as far as I know. Some just send you appointments, some use the NHS choice system, some have secretaries who, although it's not their main way of booking appointments, will allow you to arrange it by ringing them up (this last one is especially true if it's a follow up with someone you've already seen). Yes, it's disorganised!

I am also so greatful it's free. I think I'd be bankrupt if I lived in the US! I love the NHS really.

 

[mario]

I hope all you NHS users have signed the 38 degrees online petition !!

 

[Piranha]

Thanks guys. I've been onto his secretary again who said she will put my unanswered email (sent 4th December) under his nose on Monday... I'll then follow up later in the week. If that doesn't get me anywhere then it will be time to ask the GP for advice/referral elsewhere.

 

[Piranha]

Quick update... still not managed to see my Gastro in person but after a very bad episode of cramping and vomiting and moaning a bit to the inflammatory bowel disease specialist nurse she has spoken to him and he has decided to try me on Humira. Had the chest X-ray today and expect to start some time in the next 2 weeks or so.

Not exactly what you would call 'hands-on care' but hopefully progress in the right direction!