How long did your neurology referral take?

[jinglebellmel]

Just wondering what the usual waiting time is (or how long you waited) from GP making the referral to receiving your appointment and being seen? thanks!

I think it depends on where you live, could be a few weeks to a few months.

It'll depend on where you are, because of local protocols and waiting times, and also how urgent your referral was.

2 weeks to be seen at a District General with a crap reputation 20 miles away. Or 6 weeks to be seen at the major teaching hospital I work at.
As I didn't think for a minute I actually had MS I choose to wait. Turns out I do have it!
Still would have waited though. You couldn't pay me to go to the smaller hospital. Even though it's probably the same consultants.

Thanks all, I’m guessing a long wait as it’s 10 weeks even if I go private

I just spoke to someone, I’m down as an urgent referral so should be seen within 22 weeks wow! Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out to be urgent after all

It took about 8 months when I had one. The problem is intermittent and wasn't happening when the tests were done, so it was a waste of time.

There is not a single neurologist in any hospital in my region. Not one. I gave up and had to go privately.

I saw my GP and was seen 6 days later by the neurologist. Had MRI scan just under 3 weeks later as neurologist felt she could down-grade me from urgent.
Still waiting for results!

There's a national shortage of Neurologists so it's anyone's guess really.

I’ve booked the private appointment so it won’t be quite as long to wait, but honestly I’m shocked that this is the wait for an urgent referral. Doesn’t seem too uncommon from what most of you are saying though.

My dsis had to wait 14 weeks and she was an urgent case (diagnosed originally with Parkinson’s which eventually turned out to be PSP).

MrsCasares Sorry to hear of your sisters diagnos. I’d not heard of PSP but just looked it up. It seems long waiting times for an urgent referral are sadly the norm then. Can’t hekp worrying how this effects prognosis for the condition I’m fearing

I had a routine appointment last week, which was cancelled on the day due to sickness. Fine, no problem with that. New appointment isn't until the end of July! Not impressed!

9 months - Southampton!

Toddlerteaplease Wow how frustrating for you!!

wineandsunshine I’m genuinely shocked at how long people are waiting! Was that routine or urgent?

Going private was a 2 week wait and cost me £180

Dodie66 I’ve got a private appointment booked but it was a 12 week wait- 8 weeks to go!

Routine new neurology in this neck of the woods is currently about 9-10 months

Where are you?
In my area the private wait is 2+ months, routine NHS is 12-18 months. Neurology is severely understaffed.
(Doctor)

North Hampshire

I've obviously been very lucky.... I was told the wait would be months but in actual fact it is only about 8 weeks. I guess I must have got an urgent referral without realising. (SE London)

In my case [history of very severe migraine] I only waited 2 months to see a Neurology Prof as my GP contested the last Neuro's diagnosis based on my symptoms. I was classed as urgent after GP observed horners syndrome and suspected clusters.

Glad I did not have to wait long as it turned out I have chronic migraine with cluster headaches all finished off with neuralgia. Not much they can do to treat it but at least I no longer feel a wimp for struggling to cope with just bad headaches.

I guess its not only a case of where you live but also depends on your symptoms and if the doctor referring makes a good case around any urgent needs you have shown that give you a priority to be seen.

I’ve been told by the hospital that they have me as urgent, but I guess they prioritise within that category too? I’m in South Wales.

triballeader That sounds horrible!