I am so mad with the lack of NHS support

kickyloo

I can't believe the absolute lack of support I'm getting from NHS. I'm so frustrated and mad. :x

I was supposed to have an appointment with the consultant in August but that got moved to September. That was then cancelled because the Dr was ill. I got my GP to try to expedite the process, and managed to get an appointment for 13th October, but you guessed it..... it has now been postponed to 10th November. Every time I get close they push it back another month.

I phoned to complain today and they said the Dr was ill and the whole clinic was cancelled. But funnily enough when I tried to make an appointment privately he was available and fine! NHS just led me round in circles saying 'you need to speak to ....'. No one could help me. They said to go back to my GP who might be able to speak to the consultant. But I want to speak to the consultant about my own health, not go through my GP. I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY CONDITION AND MEDICATION AND IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO GET SOME PROPER SUPPORT.

I've been on a high dose of steroids for over 4 months now and need to come off them. I need advice about how to do that gradually and safely. I got a message from the consultant through my GP that I should start MTX (although the GP warned me against it as if it was poison, so that didn't fill me with hope or confidence). I want to speak to an expert before I start this drug, if I even do. I have questions about my options.

This just doesn't seem fair or right. As if I don't have enough to cope with.

Rant over. xx

skezier

Hi Kickyloo,

It doesn't seem right to me either and maybe you could talk to PALS? They may be able to tell you how you make sure you get an appointment and see the rumo. I wonder can you be transferred to a different hospital and see someone else?

I really hope it can be sorted for you soon. Take care Cris

dopeykit

Hi Kickyloo

I agree with Cris - definately speak to PALS at the hospital. Might also be worth writing a letter copied to your GP, hospital CE and strategic health authority (depending how grumpy you feel).

Sorry it if all so frustrating at the moment

kit

elnafinn

Hi kickyloo

Contact PALS but why not call and complain to the people you spoke to in the first place who that said the doc was ill and the clinic cancelled but when you enquired about going privately he was well and available. How would they answer that one? :shock:

Luv
Elna x

livinglegend

Can I suggest that you send an email to the Chair of the Hospital Governors, CC: to your MP, explaining what has happened. The Chair's email address should be on the hospital website and your MP's on http://www.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/mps_and_lords/alms.cfm

If you want to complain, start at the top. The copy to your MP is to point out the local Trust's failures and with an election next year then....


Joseph 8)

woodbon

HI,
I agree with Joseph, you should certainly be seen sooner, make sure the rhummy knows about the endometrosis. I know how painful that is, I had it when I was younger, I'm 54 now. You must be in a state with the pain from both problems, I do feel for you.
Both my sister and I had endometrosis, and we gave blood for experimental perposes to help find a treatment for this horrible thing. They needed sister who had both had a surgical diagnosis. The work is still going on, they send us a newsletter to keep us informed. I hope you get sorted with the rhemmy and get a quick appointment. Good luck and best wishes, Love Sue

patriciamary

kickyloo wrote:

I can't believe the absolute lack of support I'm getting from NHS. I'm so frustrated and mad. :x

I was supposed to have an appointment with the consultant in August but that got moved to September. That was then cancelled because the Dr was ill. I got my GP to try to expedite the process, and managed to get an appointment for 13th October, but you guessed it..... it has now been postponed to 10th November. Every time I get close they push it back another month.

I phoned to complain today and they said the Dr was ill and the whole clinic was cancelled. But funnily enough when I tried to make an appointment privately he was available and fine! NHS just led me round in circles saying 'you need to speak to ....'. No one could help me. They said to go back to my GP who might be able to speak to the consultant. But I want to speak to the consultant about my own health, not go through my GP. I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY CONDITION AND MEDICATION AND IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE TO GET SOME PROPER SUPPORT.

I've been on a high dose of steroids for over 4 months now and need to come off them. I need advice about how to do that gradually and safely. I got a message from the consultant through my GP that I should start MTX (although the GP warned me against it as if it was poison, so that didn't fill me with hope or confidence). I want to speak to an expert before I start this drug, if I even do. I have questions about my options.

This just doesn't seem fair or right. As if I don't have enough to cope with.

Rant over. xx

You should check the waiting time initiatives they get really quick with appointment when you let them know that you should be seen within a certain number of weeks. I had an 18 week waiting list to see the Rheumatologist and on week 19 I phoned and guess what they wanted me to see a consultant at a private hospital in glasgow because they could not meet the government targets. So once you let them know they will be quick to get your appointment for you. Its sad to say but if you dont get on their back they will leave you as long as they possibly can. Good luck with the chase and let us know what happens.
Patricia Mary