Any NHS staff here who would know what different specialities see on screen?

[Thump]

I'm annoyed. Probably, Most definitely, U.

Annoyed though I am.

Can I ask whether a consultant in one speciality can see the results from tests taken through another dept/speciality?

I don't care whether you're admin/nurse/doc/cons. I just need to know whether one consultant can see the results of another department's tests?

Before I lose me marbles, hang the whole NHS out to dry and diagnose myself with madness and cancer.......

The answer is, I’m afraid, it depends.

Hospitals have multiple systems and doctors will need to be able to know what it is they are looking for, but generally they could look. Difficult to comment without more detail.

I realise I possibly need to be more specific in my question, but the question is, can a consultant from one speciality, see the results from another speciality you've had tests in.

Reason I ask is I had Consultant A today, and she said oh I see you've had some problems with Speciality B since I last met you.

Yes I have, but I haven't had the results back.
Her: When exactly did you have the procedure
Me: 6 weeks ago
Her: They haven't made a follow up appointment. Either ring your GP for a follow up appointment or ring the hospital dept. if you have the number.
Me: Ye, I have the number. Speciality B performed xyz on me but didn't tell me about it. I only found out when I was copied on a letter to the GP.
Her: That's hard to explain why they didn't tell you. Anyway, call them today for a follow up appointment.
Her: Now we need to do xyz tests on you.
Me: Fine

Me: Home. Stewing over this. Wondering did consultant A, see something in the histology from examination by Consultant B, that warranted me needing a follow up appointment?

Meanwhile: I called Speciality B and have an appointment for Friday. Guy said he was only an administrator but there is a histology report back.

So.

Could Consultant A have seen something in the results from tests done by B?
Or am I driving myself mental?

Again, it depends. In our trust, all blood tests are on one system which anyone can look at, but different specialists may not be able to interpret other specialists tests IYSWIM. Other kinds of tests such as x-rays, scans, etc may be on different systems, but would all be accessible from the electronic patient record (we don't have paper notes any more). Again though, someone from a different speciality may not be able to interpret them

Consultancy A would be one of the vital organs. So I guess she was interested in B's results (non vital). AS AM I!!!

Just to say it's unlikely to be something extremely urgent and serious if you haven't already been called back (although things do fall through the cracks).

Also consider that a consultant from one specialty is not necessarily best placed to interpret the results from whatever was run.

Is specialty A dermatology by any chance?

Consultancy B did a biopsy.

Consultancy A is monitoring for cancer in vital organ.

(sorry, I mean specialty B!)

Speciality A is not dermatology. Speciality A is Hepatology. Speciality B is gynaecology.

She may have seen results but as her knowledge in that area is probably limited she will not feel well enough informed to translate those results to you. It's always best the consultant in charge of that element of care discusses that with you. Consultant A did prompt you to chase up, and I'm sure if there was anything time critical you would have been contacted. Or if consultant A was worried she would of contacted consultant B urgently.

True. If anything was urgent I would have heard about it, but then again, I haven't even had a follow up appointment made, so I either slipped through the cracks or something...

I agree with fluffyjumper. It is more likely that the follow-up required is not urgent and that's why nobody has been in touch yet than they have dropped the ball (although it does happen). I would try not to worry too much although I know from personal experience it's very unsettling when you know there is medical information that isn't being shared with you.

You might be able to access the results through your GP (who should be sent a copy) or by asking the administrator who you've dealt with to seek permission from the consultant to release the results to you. It's generally best to have the person with the knowledge talking you through though, or they may not mean a whole lot and could make you more worried.

I think the best thing to do is to wait for the appointment on Friday and in the meantime try and take your mind off it, lots of self care etc. I know the uncertainty is a very horrible feeling.

I have to say the hepatologist was brilliant today. She has ordered an US (I should be having them bi-annually), some wobbly liver test she did today (some pulsating electronic thing and the more your liver wobbles, the healthier it is), and blood tests, including cancer markers and also thyroid as my resting heart rate is always around 110. Also an endoscope. So I'm confident with Consultancy A.

Consultancy B worries me as 1. they didn't tell me that they removed something and 2. they have failed to make a follow-up results appointment until Hepatologist prompted me to chase it up today.