Can those of you 'in the know' just remind me of my rights under the NHS

[chrissnow]

Long story made (a little) shorter. Have been having horrible period problems for ages. GP has been quite crap really. Saw a locum who made an effort, but still only a slight improvement. Has got to the point where my sickness record has been noted at work and I had to attend (amongst other things) a Occupational Health thingy?!? She advised that I get a referral to a gynae. So I have an appt at GPs tomorrow. Do I just walk in a demand referral? Do I explain that this is what Occ Health at work have advised me to do? Does GP have to refer me? I just want to know my rights so I don't allow myself to get fobbed off.
Also I have a nasty rash type thing that I've had for months now and its getting worse and I'd quite like this looking at too while I'm there. There is a sign up at reception which says the doctor can only deal with one problem at a time. Shall I just chance it and ask while I'm there. I really don;t want to have to make another appt as its so difficult with 2 little ones.
Any thoughts/info would be greatly appreciated.

Could you phone and see if they have any vacant appointments still either side of your actual appointment - ie make it a double appointmnet, then there will be time for both problems?

Nope - fully booked dammit!! I'll just have to see if he's in a good mood. It's not my usual GP anyway so maybe there is a glimmer of hope...

I am a GP. I think it is quite reasonable to ask him/her to look at your rash whilst you are there as long as you tell your GP at the beginning of the consultation that you would like him/her to have a quick look at a rash when you have discussed your main problem. Try to be to the point so that time isn't wasted. The rash may only take a quick minute. I quite often get asked to look at two things in a consultation. 3 or 4 starts to get too much because of the time pressure. I would explain that your period problems have now caused employment problems and ask (try not to make it sound like a demand) to be referred to see a gynaecologist. Has referral been discussed at all yet? I think in the end you do have a right to a second opinion, but if it hasn't even been discussed yet then you might be quite surprised that your Gp is happy to refer without your needing to be pressurising. If he/she doesn't agree, then at that point I would mention the OH advice. If you still don't get what you want , then I would say that your job is on the line. I think it would be unreasonable for your Gp to refuse to refer you in those circumstances.

Thanks. In all honesty I would never dream of going and demanding anything of anyone!! Referral has never been discussed. tbh I really don't rate my GP he barely looks at you before prescribing antibiotics for just about everything. In this case contraceptive pill after contraceptive pill. I will probably have to change GP one day, but that's another issue for another day. When I feel a little stronger and confident. I really appreciate your advice and time. Thanks again.

good luck, hope you get on OK

Well I've been and am happy to report GP was v v v nice and helpful. Is referring me for an ultrasound first of all. (lets get the non-invasive stuff out of the way first). Gave me a script for meflenic (sorry can't spell) acid for the meantime. Went through a long and extensive list of options for me to think about whilst waiting for appt to come through. Took a look at rash and I now have to hydrocorizone (spelling again!) cream for that. Am pleased that I'm geetting somewhere.