On NHS waiting list 2 years now have to move & told I must move to bottom of list in new area - AIBU?

[BloodyBeaurocracy]

Feeling stressed about this. I was on the waiting list for ASD assessment which took 2 years. Dr doesn't think I have ASD (just traits) but feels strongly that I have ADHD and a diagnosis could help as it would open doors about medication.

He has referred me to the separate team for ADHD in the same department at the same hospital.

I have to move as am being priced out of central London. I intended to look at places in zone 5 & 6. The Dr said if I do this, they will be duty bound to remove me from their service, refer to new NHS area trust and that waiting lists will be another 2 years. As opposed to several months with current hospital as it's an internal referral.

Additionally, they had a mix up and lost my notes over the Christmas period which delayed things by a couple of months. I can't help but feel if they had not done this, the referral to ADHD team would have happened sooner and I'd be in their system.

So pissed off. I don't have the money to pursue private diagnosis, and the Dr said he thinks - only his opinion, I know but still - that I could be helped by medication.

I really struggle with executive function. It has a massive impact on my life. I'd like to at least have a shot at improving things even though I know there are no guarantees.

AIBU to feel this way? AIBU to ask if there is any way I can be kept with them even when I move?

The difference in rent is several hundreds a month, that's a big sum of money to me that I just do not have.

You will be moving to a different area, therefore a different trust.

Trusts buy in services from each other. If your new area doesn't buy the service from your old Trust, then they wont fund the treatment. Unfortunately but I'm facing the same at present. Ideally I would say in this area but I need to move too. Can't see a way round it.

YANBU to feel that way at all, but I'm not sure if you have any options really. I was lucky and had my diagnosis shortly before we moved area; I'd have been in a similar situation otherwise and it's horrible.

It's worth asking if you can be kept on the waiting list, but be prepared for a no.

Don't tell them you've moved until you have your diagnosis and medication? If doctor asks just say you haven't moved yet.

You could get your post redirected and not tell them?

I maintained appointments in my old trust until my new trust appointments were a few months away, at request of my consultant. I have a mail redirect set up so any letters still get to me.

I think that's what the Dr was hinting strongly at. He kept saying "can you hold off moving for a few months?" and seemed really frustrated. I appreciate his hands are tied.

I'm lodging with a family at the moment who have asked me to leave in the next couple of weeks so I do have to get out quite urgently. I'm looking for places in the area but it's so frustrating. Redoubling efforts as from tomorrow then if it looks like I have no option but to stay.

According to this you do have the right to choose - www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/aboutnhsservices/nhshospitals/pages/hospitalssummary.aspx

I am on various Facebook groups for different medical conditions and people often choose to be referred somewhere out of their area for particular consultants.

Oh - I didn't know you could do that with mail?

So the post office intercept and don't deliver to old address but to a new one?

Would that be breaking serious laws though? Could I be prosecuted?

I'm lodging with a family at the moment who have asked me to leave in the next couple of weeks so I do have to get out quite urgently.

Would they be amenable to you collecting post from them?

MaireadMacSweeney makes a good point. Just have your mail forwarded from your old address for 6months/year by Royal Mail. It seems very understandable that you would be moved, and join the end of the queue but I would have no qualms with finishing your diagnosis in your current trust before moving across. Sorry you will lose your doctor - he sounds clued in.

www.royalmail.com/start-your-redirection-p2?PSID=Google_PPC&cid=RD_Q11819_SM_71700000019016862_58700002098176445

Ensure you set it up before you move out. You will get a letter through that you need to use to authorise the redirection.

Sorry I mean prosecuted for using a space at old NHS trust that I wouldn't be entitled to. I have quite bad anxiety, and could not handle being charged with an offence.

No, the family are nice enough but the type who would just chuck out post addressed to me once I've gone. Have seen them do this with mail addressed to previous lodger.

Would that be breaking serious laws though? Could I be prosecuted?

How would they possibly ever know though? I’d say that was possibly what he was trying to allude to.

Get a mail redirect and don't tell them you have moved. A bit sneaky yes but I think justified in the circumstances.

I contact places all the time and they confirm my address and I’m like, “nope, whoops, moved from there 4 years ago! Sorry...”

I’d feel differently if you weren’t already in the system and were using a relatives or friends address to gain access to a favourable trust.

But you DO live there. You are in the system. I doubt anyone will even ask for your address again.

Agree with Dextro. Redirect mail for a few months.

You’d never be prosecuted. Worst case scenario is they find out and take you off the list.

Mail re direction seems like a good plan then!

Gosh I'm such a wimp I'd be so nervous of getting into trouble. It still feels like dishonesty, even though there's an argument to justify it.

BloodyBeaurocracy It is technically dishonest and if you have asd traits that might be extra difficult for you if you think in very black/white right/wrong terms.

If it was treatment for your daughter or son... would you do it for them. Could you argue why you did it? You are important and I think this is a good way to finish off a process you’ve been working at for a long time, before straightening up all your paperwork again.

Mail redirect.

Seriously, you've been waiting a long time, it's literally beaurocracy that is making this drag on. The Trust that treats you is not going to lose money because you are out of area, it doesn't work like that, they will be paid for your care. I would redirect the mail and get seen. And I work for the NHS.

Do you actually have a date to be seen by the current Trust?

Nobody will prosecute you honest. I know how you feel about not sticking to the rules - I'm like this too- but in this case the rules are just a hindrance to natural justice. You're not playing the system, you're just caught in a burocratic snare. You've waited your turn, now take the appointment.

Like everyone else said - mail redirect. Don't hesitate for a moment. It's not your fault that you're in this situation.

I echo others and say get your mail redirected for 12 months and don't tell them you have moved.

I think the NHS choice policy would apply. This means you have the right to choose where you have your treatment, especially if the waiting time is over the 18 weeks which is part of the NHS Constitution.

www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/patient-choice/Pages/your-rights-to-choice.aspx