Date: 03.08.2016
From: Christie
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Subject: Appointment waiting times
Hi I'm having a nightmare getting an appointment with a rheumatologist and wondered if anyone else has had any difficulties. I was referred in January due to inflammation showing in my bloods but the referral was 'lost' and I was told to go back to my GP. My GP referred me in April again and this time the rheumatologist rejected my referral with no explanation. I then made a formal complaint and my GP referred me to a different rheumatologist, I got an appointment and that was cancelled due to staff hols and they do not have any other appointments available. My GP has contacted the rheumatologist and told them that my condition is getting worse and they have prioritized my case and will review it in December if I still don't have an appointment!! Any advice greatly appreciated.
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Date: 03.08.2016
From: lois
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Hi Christie, you can complain to PALS at the hospital you have been referred to. What an absolute disgrace. I have never heard of anything like it. Your GP should have sorted this for you. Good luck with it all.
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Date: 03.08.2016
From: Christie
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Hi already have complained to Pals and its them that have said they will review it in December. My GP has also formally complained and I'm still getting nowhere :(
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Date: 03.08.2016
From: lucy
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Hi Christie, I don't understand why they would do that and like Lois has said i have never heard of anything like that either. Is there another hospital you could get referred too? and why have they rejected your referral? If you are in a lot of pain i would go to the casualty department and perhaps the on duty rheumatologist will see you there. x
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Date: 03.08.2016
From: lois
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Hi Christie, that is so bad I am really shocked at your treatment. I can not believe PALS have such a bad attitude they are usually so good. I would walk into A&E as Lucy suggested tell them you can't go on like this and hopefully they will sort it all for you. I hope you get sorted soon.
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Date: 03.08.2016
From: Christie
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Thank you for your responses. To be fair PALS have been very frustrated with the rheumatologist department and have tried to solve things for me. I think I'll try a and e this weekend, fingers crossed that will work x
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Date: 04.08.2016
From: lois
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Subject: Re: Appointment waiting times
Good luck with it all. PALS are normally right on it and there is no excuse for treatment like that. I always say one day in our shoes and things would be very different.
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