Can't book antenatal care?

[wombats]

My antenatal referral has apparently been lost. Saw the GP at 7 weeks, first referral sent. Didn't hear anything for a few weeks, so rang and was told there was a problem with the referral system and they would re-send it urgently. If I didn't hear within a week, I was to ring the GP again.

One week on, nothing in the post, so rang the GP and they told me to ring the antenatal centre myself. I did, and another ten days on, no reply. Found their online self-referral, sent that in, another ten days on, still nothing. I've rung again this week, but still no response.

Can I walk in to the hospital and request care? I'm 14 weeks now and thinking I must need bloods , booking for 20 week scan, etc. I've recently been a patient at the hospital for a different reason, so certain they have the correct contact information. I've paid privately for Harmony and NT scan so know baby is okay in that regard at least. Also, is it reasonable to file a PALS with the hospital and GP? Seems two months is not acceptable wait for antenatal care.

Anyone?

Hiya

You need to speak to head of practice at GP and raise a very big complaint regarding lost document referal etc.
Pals may not help if they haven't received anything but may help you access needed services but that could end up being consultant care etc.

The head of practice will be able to chase it with doctor who referred you .

So you've already missed your booking appointment and 12 week scan? I would definitely contact PALS and ask them to help you get the care you're entitled to.

As you also haven't received a response to your self referral, it sounds like the delay is most likely at the hospital end. I'd call their antenatal clinic to check they have received your referral, and if not raise with PALS.

Thank you all, I have already rung the hospital antenatal clinic but can never reach a person. I have left voicemails but they do not ring back, been waiting over two weeks now. I've also emailed their address twice but no response, automated response said I will hear within one week. Am I mad to walk in to the clinic?

Am I mad to walk in to the clinic?

Nope.

When you arrive be nice to the receptionists and get your appointments, but ask them who do you address complaints to. Then make a complaint.

The reason to make a complaint is because you did everything in time, and you don't want it recorded in your notes that you are a risky case because you presented late.

Thank you @bluebug45, feeling like a bit of a loon and can't quite believe it's so hard to be referred. I wouldn't even expect to be seen that day, but would like to at least have an appointment booked or bloods done for me though. Especially as I believe I need bloods for genetic carrier screenings (cystic fibrosis?) as DH and I both have Scandinavian roots and so are at higher risk, I believe?

Hi not sure if it's the same where you are but Nucal screening happens at 12 weeks and when I went in my baby was in the wrong position to measure the neck fluid so they offered me 2nd trimester (16 week) screening but it's for DS only - I had a private screening for all of the genetic disorders instead because I'm older and the risk is higher so I wasn't happy to wait.

It sounds like you have missed this window already because of their failing.

Definitely walk in and explain politely to the receptionist but be firm - you need this care and are entitled to it. Good luck

Thank you. Just worried I'll be seen as demanding and not given good care because of it

@wombats you are not being fussy or demanding as if they screwed up with you they would have screwed up with other woman. Unfortunately it takes people who are able to be more vocal to stop them continuing to screw up.

Also you are entitled to a basic level of care, and have the right to have truthful things recorded on your notes. Some clinicians will put their opinion down after not listening to you, which is why I said make a complaint about them screwing up.

@bluebug45, thank you for your reassurance. I'm aware the NHS is under pressure so helps to know I'm not just being stroppy. At this rate, I reckon I'll be lucky to have an appointment by 18 weeks, which seems quite late especially for a nervous first time mum.