Waiting for Consulatant Appointment

ChrisH
ChrisH Member Posts: 3
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:08 in Living with arthritis

Hi I'm new to to VA but have had RA for almost 20 years. I recently moved from N Yorks to Nottingham and was referred to rheumatology at Nottingham QMC. I received a letter from them saying 'we have your referral but we don't have any appointments'. No time frame given and no mention of calling back or next actions. Has anyone else had a similar experience or is this now normal?

Thanks

Comments

  • anneb82
    anneb82 Member Posts: 317

    Hello @ChrisH

    Welcome to the online community and thank you for joining us.

    So you have had RA for almost 20 years now and have recently moved from N Yorks to Nottingham. You have been referred to rheumatology but have received a letter to say that they have your referral but no appointments. There is no other information on the letter and are wondering if anyone else had experienced something similar. You are wondering if this is now the new normal.

    Well, I have certainly no experience of this and to be honest, find it very strange. I appreciate they may be incredibly busy or have waiting lists, but to not include any further action on the letter is very strange. It will definitely be interesting to see if anybody else here as had a similar experience and what they did next. If it was me, I would either ring the department directly or go through my GP to see if they know of any reason why this has happened.

    In the meantime, I hope everything is well managed and that your move went well.

    Please do continue to get involved in the community, we are a friendly bunch and always looking to make new friends.

    Please also let us know how you are getting on.

    Take care

    Anne (Moderator)

  • ChrisH
    ChrisH Member Posts: 3

    Hi Anne, thanks for your reply and the welcome. I have my repeat prescription and am having regular blood tests so everything is managed, but I have questions I need to ask a consultant so it was a very disappointing response to get. Yes I think I will contact the hospital and see if I get anywhere, though I know the rheumatology help line will normally only help those that are referred and registered. I will post my progress as I go.

    Thanks again

    Chris

  • Beeper
    Beeper Member Posts: 8

    Hi ChrisH,

    I'm still waiting a diagnosis, but I've been referred to rheumatology. I waited 5 months for a telephone consultation ( during this time I didn't hear anything from the hospital) to be told they need to see me face to face in connective tissue disease clinic. I was told they'd put me down as urgent, which would be 6 weeks.

    I haven't got an appointment yet and that was 4 weeks ago. Whilst I've been waiting I have telephoned the rheumatology outpatients department a few times. They have been helpful in keeping me updated regarding waiting times and have encouraged me to go back to GP to see if they can expedite the appointment as it could be another 4 months! I still need to do this.

    Covid has had a massive impact on all areas of NHS, and it was overstretched before! I understand that, but I know it's also very frustrating. I'd say phone the outpatient department. They were good with me. I kept my frustrations in check as it's not their fault. Then at least you'll know where you are in the queue and that you are still in it!

    Good luck.