Two week wait (for hospital) but no appointment

[Lovelilies]

Been referred to hospital (colorectal team I found out after ringing myself today) under the 2 week wait.
Referred because of unintentional weight loss, and rectal bleeding. This was two weeks ago.
I called GP to see what was happening, they said I should call the hospital as the referral had been sent.
Spoke to outpatients who said they'd received the referral but don't have any appointments as they've had a lot of referrals recently.
WWYD? Sit and wait? Or something (not sure what else I can do as I've already called up and they said they'll send a letter once they have a spot for me).

[Lovelilies]

Anyone?

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Did they give any indication of when they would have an appointment available?

Good luck with your appointment

Can you ask your GP to try and chase up?

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

Sorry I know you've spoken to the GP already but if the hospital is not acting on the referral then it might be something the GP can push

[Lovelilies]

The GP said it's out of their hands when I asked if they'd chase it up.
The outpatients appointment people just said they can't give me a date yet as all the clinics are full... didn't even apologise

[Lovelilies]

It'll be 2 weeks tomorrow that I was referred.

[RaspberryBeretHoopla]

If you have been referred under the 2 week rule and aren't going get an appointment in that time then you can ask to be seen in a different PCT that does have appointments on the 2 week rule. Press for it.

Are you concerned about cancer?

[RaspberryBeretHoopla]

Isn't it 2 weeks after receipt of the referral letter? Not 2 weeks after the writing of the letter.

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

That's no good at all.

I think I'd probably contact outpatients again and ask again for a specific date. Make sure you mention that it is an urgent referral. Otherwise perhaps PALS? Even if the clinics are booked in advance they ought to have future dates

You could try Beating Bowel Cancer for advice. They have a telephone helpline who could perhaps tell you who best to speak to.

[RaspberryBeretHoopla]

They should have a specific 2 week clinic appointment contact.

[SequinsOnEverything]

It is two weeks from the hospital receiving the letter, not the letter being written. However, here (Taunton and Somerset NHS trust) most 2ww referrals are electronic.

The hospital won't want to be delaying your first appointment, if (and it hopefully won't be the case) you did have cancer you would then be behind on your pathway and they get big fines for not starting treatment within 62 days of receiving the referral or 31 days of diagnosis (I think, I've been out of cancer services for a while now).

I'd keep phoning them every day until they get you in. If yoi can find the number for either the colorectal team or ideally cancer services then phone them. Cancer services will be the ones worrying about the fine so more motivated to get you in asap.

[Lovelilies]

Thank you for your replies.
Haven't told anyone IRL don't want to worry them unnecessarily.
I'll call again tomorrow and see what's what

[Augustbabyyeah]

You need to keep on to them, perhaps tell them you can take a cancellation. Good luck.

[27Harper]

That's a pain. I also got a referall 2 weeks ago sent and still have no appointment. They may just be very busy but it is annoying. Maybe you could ask the gp if you could be referred any quicker? I'm not sure if they can do that if they're really busy but I would still try to get on top of it to explain the reason for your symptoms. Good luck hun

[Sickofthinkingofnewnames]

I've found it helpful to tell the appointments team that you can /will take short notice cancellations.They will be doing everything they can to get you in as soon as possible. I hope it all works out for you.

[Lovelilies]

Still no news... I'll call today

[Evizza]

Did you get an appointment? I'm currently in the '2 week referral' wait and am going crazy

[wheredoesallthetimego]

That's not acceptable - go via PALS and kick up a stink.

[washinggotdarkedon]

According to this, they need to find another appointment at a different hospital for you.

[Lovelilies]

A letter has finally come, appointment scheduled for 19th July. Since the GP appointment I've been having strange mid cycle spotting, and right sided abdo/pelvis pain.
I wish it wasn't so long til the hospital appointment 🙁

[Lovelilies]

Sorry you're going through this too, Evi.
Can I ask why you've been referred?

[Lovelilies]

And you, 27, sorry I missed your post.

[wheredoesallthetimego]

That's not good enough. They can squeeze you into a clinic sooner. Ask to speak to whoever is in charge of the 2ww pathway.

[Lovelilies]

They managed to squeeze me in to a clinic last night. The dr is arranging a colonoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound scan.
Seems to think it's unlikely to be anything g serious though.

[WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo]

I'm glad they managed to see you sooner. Fingers crossed for all your tests