Meeting a ENT surgeon UK

[boofer1502]

Hi, I've had Graves' disease for the last 3 years and was told a total thyroidectomy is needed. My consultant said he would refer me to the surgeon. Instead I got referred to the radio active iodine specialist, to which he then said I had be wrongly referred and he would refer me to the ENT surgeon. Today I rang the hospital ( 3 months later after chasing them up on this referral) to be told my referral letter is being graded ( ??? ) and that it's going to be about a 4 months wait till I hear back from them, and that's just to me the ENT consultant before the surgeon!? Does anyone know why it's taking so long and what this whole grading process is? I'm not the sharpest of girls I must admit but being in pain and not being able to do anything is a little upsetting. Do I just wait this one out until I get me date sent through a letterbox? Thank you x

I’d expect that in writing, we send out letters to say you’ve been referred and it’ll be triaged and we’ll be back with an appointment time within (timeframe). Perhaps speak to your GP practice manager / GP to see about the referral or speak to PALS who will be able to provide you with advice.

I've had plenty of letters for my specialist appointments but nothing to say my referral is being graded and nothing about this ENT consultant or surgeon. I have rang my specialists secretary today to which she told me in my last post. I know in my area it's a 18weeks max wait for a surgery date but to meet the surgeon himself, should that also take up to 18 weeks?

ENT consultants are surgeons.

@Walkingthroughawall oh right I didn't know this! The lady on the phone today said I'd have to meet the ENT consultant before the ENT surgeon so just thought they had different job roles