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Hospitals and waiting lists

telyn

00:05 / 03.06.03

Help. It's taking ages (I was refered in Nov 2001) to see a particular consultant about my hand (deformed). I'm in the process of contacting the relevant people to find out what is going on. I've done this once, January last year and was told I would have a reply in a few weeks (never arrived). However I did receive a letter in early March this year asking if I still wanted the appointment. They had to ask?! This is one of the few people in the country with the right qualifications.

But for now - what suggestions can you give me so I don't yell at the poor secretaries I am asking to give me info? I know they don't deserve yelling at but this is really getting to me now.

The NHS: mostly I've seen the good bits, however this isn't one of them.

Mr Messy

08:54 / 03.06.03

I would write a letter to the chief executive of your hospital - find out who this is on their NHS website. Keep a copy for yourself, and maybe send another to the consultant. List exactly what has happened and when, what action you have taken, and the lack of on their part. Ask for a response/resolution to this situation by X/X/X (you choose the date). Wait. Hopefully they should respond quick smart. If not, its time to get really wicked.

Ganesh

08:57 / 03.06.03

I would suggest talking to the secretaries in the first instance. Don't yell, be polite and make it clear from the outset that you're not angry with them but at the huge waiting times. You'd like to confirm the appointment; you'd like to know whether there's any way it can be brought forward (because you were initially referred in 2001); you'd like to make a complaint about the waiting times and would like to know the official complaints procedure.

Make a written complaint, giving specific dates and times, and emphasise the pain/distress you still experience. Avoid the temptation to launch into more general 'state of the NHS' rants, but make it clear that, as a service user, you find this length of wait wholly unacceptable.

telyn

11:32 / 03.06.03

Cheers very much for advice. I read this, then went and rang the relevant people. Now I have someone finding me an appointment... wooo!

I should make a complaint, but right now I'm just relieved that they actually have my details and I actually exist on their records. I did wonder if I'd been entirely forgotten. Apparently if you're referred from your GP the hospital has an obligation to see you within 26 weeks. However I was referred from another hospital and so am invisible in terms of government waiting lists.

I will ask about official procedures, and I will definitely contact the department again if I don't get a response within a week.

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