How long to wait after consultant appointment.

[Patterkiller]

I was referred for hip impingement mid February to see a consultant. X-rays were done previous to this but because of a mix up they weren't available for the consultant appointment which was mid April. I was told he would get hold of them and be in touch within two weeks.

I called his secretary after three weeks to be told the X-rays are on his desk and he will be in touch. It is now six weeks since this appointment and still nothing. I phoned again this week and was told the same, they were waiting to be looked at.

Do I just keep ringing the secretary to get anywhere. The 18 week rule deadline from referral to treatment, most probable operation, is in just over four weeks. What happens if this date is missed?
I'm just feeling quite frustrated and fobbed off.

[DPotter]

I'm not surprised you feel fobbed off.
I would phone the secretary again and get a little bit "irritated / upset" in a controlled sort of way if you see what I mean . Daily if necessary. By now the xrays must be well and truly buried at the bottom of the pile.

I suppose you could ask your GP if they could contact the consultant, but they may not be willing to, until the 18 week deadline has lapsed.

[Patterkiller]

Thanks DPotter I'm actually seeing my GP for something unrelated this afternoon. I'll mention it to them then see what he says. I feel like I'm in limbo.

[Mincepies76]

I would contact PALS (info will be on trust website) that's unacceptable!

[justabigdisco]

I work in the NHS. PP's suggestion of contacting PALS is the best - things happen remarkably quickly once they are involved!

[Patterkiller]

Thanks. GP was of no use. I will ring his secretary Monday morning and if still fobbed off ill call PALs.

[Musicaltheatremum]

GPs can't do much. Also we have enough to do and get fed up sorting out disorganised hospitals too. Having said that it is getting easier to find the emails of consultants now as they are on the same NHS email system so I regularly bug them.

[Patterkiller]

Just bumping this for a bit more advice.
After chasing with the consultants secretary I eventually received a letter to say that after he had looked at my x-rays that had been buried on his desk for six weeks that, yes I definitely need the operation. that was a week or so ago.
Today I received a letter to say to go for an appointment on 12 August to see him again, assume this is a pre op appointment, but it doesn't say.

Then there will be time to wait for the operation making all this heading in to 30 weeks? Is this reasonable given the 18 week rule.

I really hate complaining and if I do complain is there anything that can be realistically done to move quicker? Or is this just the way it is?

[Patterkiller]

Oh well, just spoke to his secretary and 18 week rule means absolutely nothing and I will be seen when I'm seen.