to be totally exasperated and want to know wtaf the point of this GP's referral was???

[RevoltingPeasant]

Okay, trying not to rant.

DP has had prostate pain for years. It flares up several times a year, meaning pain when he wees and causing severe erectile dysfunction because it's too painful to have sex (prob tmi, but past caring ). The pain episodes last anywhere from a few days to several months. At their worst, they hurt him when he walks.

He was told by his GP in the past that nothing could be done and he would have to put up with it. Never offered specialist referral. When we moved GPs practices recently, I encouraged him to try again. He has been 3 times since November - every time he had a serious pain episode. They refused to refer him twice, but finally, the third time, they said they would refer him to a urologist/ andrologist at local hospital. Result!

....Or so we thought. The referral letter came in the post today, and it is to these people - www.sentinelhealthcare.co.uk As far as I can make out, they are a private firm - of GPs. When I look at their clinical team they are all local GPs. So basically, no, he is not going to see a specialist. And - none of them specialise in urology. Not one.

AIBU to think this is a) ridiculous profiteering off the NHS and b) completely nonsensical as a referral?

We are waiting to start ttc but we can't because of this . We've just been put off - again - I am so sick and sad about this.

That's so rubbish I'd suggest by-passing the gp's completely. Next time he's in pain, he should go to a&e at the biggest and best hospital where you live. Insist on being seen by someone who takes you seriously and don't be fobbed off.

I think if you read the clinical assessment service page it explains that he will be seen before the decision as to where best to refer him is made. Hopefully, this will allow him to have some input as it does seem to mention patient choice. I don't think they are a private firm, I think it is a branch of the NHS.

That's crap, and it is disgusting that he has been in pain for so long. Go back to the GP, complain, complain some more to the Practice Manager. Really lean on them until they do something. There is no excuse for leaving someone to suffer like this and not fair that you cannot ttc just because they won't do the right thing. Be strong and give them hell! Good luck.

well it does look a bit odd- suggest ring the surgery and asking

Having had a little look a that link, I am and .

Is this the sort of crap we are going to have to deal with in the health service under this government?

It sounds like a complete waste of time and resources, but more importantly, a lot worse for you and your DP

I feel for you OP. in your position, and with the way my GP surgery is, I would ask for a phonecall from the GP and get him to explain. Make fuss, and ask if he can have a more direct referral.

It looks like a middle man service to me.

Your gp will fill in a standard referral with what they think the problem is and other information, then it'll be reviewed to make sure that you dh goes to thre right place.

I'm sure someone's done the maths (or been chatted up by a sales rep) and figured that Gp's make enough inappropriate referrals for the finance of this step worth it. I'd be confident your dh will get the appointment he needs, but as someone using the ruins of the multi million pound it system, as a general opinion it looks like sweaty pits to me.

There is more information here

Casmama yes but why couldn't his actual blinkin GP do a clinical assessment? Isn't that what they do??? You know, assess patients who present with a range of problems and refer them to specialists where appropriate???

This is just more GPs - it's just another middle man.

Sorry, I am totally not ranting at you, I am just and . It seems like just another hurdle - what if these GPs also say, 'Well, let's leave it a few months and see.....' like everyone else.

As far as I can make out, they are a private firm

No they are a NHS clinical assessment team that stops the need to go from department to department, which can happen when GP's makes a referal.

They can get you an appointment quicker and to the right people.

Casmam, sentinel looks like a private company with an nhs contract, there's news of a shareholders meeting on their home page news ticker.

Isn't this the new way of commissioning? Instead of PCTs doing it, GPs get dragged off from their patients so that they can tick boxes, administrated by the PCT people who were fired.
All in the name of, well, I'm not quite sure really. Progress? Efficiency? Patient choice? Fashion?

Anyway, agree that in among the jargon it seems to be the clearing house for hospital referrals in your area. Hope it comes through soon.

Cas cheers for the link - have to say it does not make that much clear to me but tbh I am just so sad and frustrated now that it's prob just me.

They are specialist GP's, though, i have found most GP's to not know much about certain conditions, or are not up to date, it is a matter of luck.

Birds, honestly trying to understand this, could you explain - how can the GPs who work at that practice make a more efficient referral than our own GP who has treated DP's problem for a year now?

How on earth can it be cost effective and a quicker route to the right doctor who can actually do some investigating and treating by seeing two GPs instead of one?

It sounds to me like a way of convincing people that waiting lists are shorter.

It doesn't look too bad to me. They obviously have some kind of system going where all referrals go through these people who, I suppose, have some kind of expertise in er, referring?

Bit like triage?

Seems a lot of faffing, I agree - but perhaps reserve judgement till you've been. They might be perfectly marvelous and get your DP seen much faster than your ordinary GP might.

Your poor DP though. That's a crap situation to be in. Hope it gets sorted. No one should be told to just "put up with" pain in this day and age.

I am hoping this is a service where they move the referral on there is no mention in the services that they do any urology. Unfortunately hands are being tied with referrals in some places. Sounds like prostatic is could be a cause is his urine clear on lab investigation?

I totally understand where you are coming from RevoltingPeasant and I think it is ridiculous that you DPs GP didn't explain where he was referring him to as this is causing you a lot of stress where as if you had anticipated that there would be a visit to the "middleman" then you would at least have been prepared for it.

They do have 'corporate values' (blech) and shareholders. The shareholders seem to be local GPs???

Sorry, I am probably BU - I feel like I have waited for about 2 years to get here and it's just more GPs none of whom are actually experienced the relevant area of andrology/ urology. Unlike our own GP, ironically!!!

Tis very unpleasant poor dh and frustrating re tcc

As long as you can get an appointment fairly shortly with sentinelhealthcare- I'd go along and see what they say. I would also point out its impact on your ttc plans.

If they delay matters waiting or refuse to refer - you still have the option of going down A & E and trying there or going back to GPs and perhaps both making appointments and making a massive fuss.

If there are applicable NICE guidelines trot those out - that sometimes helps get you the correct treatment.

It is pretty shit though as were your first GP who said live with it.

Thanks Cas :) Bugsy yes, he does not have an infection, 'simply' a swelling of the prostate. When this happens they give him anti-Bs not cos there is an infection, as I understand, but cos as a secondary property they relieve inflammation.

However it is also not great being on 2-3 strong doses of anti-Bs every year, another reason I have pushed for this.

Thanks also Helen - DP will not go to A&E under any circs. He is an old style socialist, bless him, and will not 'abuse services' when 'it is not an emergency'.

Have to say I feel the same. Although at this stage I am tempted.

Am also wondering about cashing in our mortgage account/ selling car and getting it seen to privately. Am no fan of private healthcare but I am 33 and I am feeling physically sick at this delay and what this might do to our plans.

How long do you have to wait for this appointment OP?

The cynic in me thinks it is a way of getting past the 18 week wait targets, as the clock won't start ticking until the hospital appointment comes through.

This is the NHS of the future and the picture is bleak.