Asked to change hospital appointment

[HappyKatieA]

Hi all,
I've been teaching 20 years, in current school 12. I'm well thought of, and hold a great position in the school (don't want to say too much as could be outing).
I had time off sick in the Autumn term of this year, I was signed off for 6 weeks, (since then I've been back and on it).
My GP had referred me whilst I was off, after many many blood tests, I then had to wait 6 months for a consultant app, I almost didn't go as I felt so much better.
I've now had the appointment (last week) and I've been diagnosed with a chronic illness that means my health will be up and down for the rest of my life.
I haven't told School, just HR, as it came as a bit of a shock, and I don't want people to think I can't do things as I probably want to change schools in the next few years for promotion.
I received a letter yesterday informing me of an appointment at the hospital n early July, to help me manage my condition. I've got one lesson that afternoon to cover.
I put in for cover today, but I've had an email back asking me to change the appointment as it's a tight day for cover that day.
Are they allowed to do this? It felt like a kick in the teeth as I purposefully haven't asked for my TOIL this year because I had so much time off in the Autumn term.
Many thanks in advance,
K

You are lucky Maisypops.
We have the same system but due to the shortage of doctors the response is frequently that there are no appointments available. You just get told to wait. Even when you eventually get an appointment it might well be cancelled nearer the time. That is why I wouldnt dare cancel.
I came back early from holiday to attend a consultant appointment only to have it cancelled on the day.
I dont think the OP should have to risk a long wait if she cancels.

I'm absolutely lucky. Maybe it's just for the departments I've needed as an outpatient but I've been really impressed.
They seem to be quite efficient too. I took a friend in with a sporting injury, seen in under an hour, x rayed, strapped up, left with an appointment for the cast to be put on within 24 hours and an outpatients app within the week. I have no idea how they do it.

Yes. IME fractures are dealt with efficiently. I am currently nursing my third lot of broken bones in 18 months. The walk in clinic is wonderful.
The reason I fall over is because my legs dont work very well. Neither do my eyes. Those are the appointments that are difficult to get and frequently cancelled. Chronic conditions are right at the bottom of the heap.
Anyway
I am sorry for derailing the thread. OP I hope you get sorted out.

Morning, sorry for not updating, a busy day yesterday!
I've also just worked out how to reply to people personally 👍🏽
@Piggywaspushed TOIL is given to us as money is tight, so as a reward for exceeding all objectives as part of PM we are given a DOIN (day off in lieu) in the following summer term. I've also planned and taught some half term / holiday revision days and Saturdays with Yr 11's andYr 13's - I'd always done this without payment, but a few years ago they introduced the option of paid or TOIL.

The letter from my hospital gives me a time, afternoon appointment for 1.5hrs, so it means I can teach in the morning, I just need one lesson covered.
The appointment is a 'how to manage your illness' session.

I will call the hospital tomorrow, to asses the situation, but I won't change it if it means I'll be waiting for months again, thank you all for your help.

You definitely shouldn't change it. This is such an issue with teaching nowadays that we are viewed as awkward or difficult for needing any time out if it is 'tight for cover'. Good Luck OP!

I am v jealous of this DOIL thing !

You're obviously secondary, is there no one in your department who would cover as a swap or favour? I know it depends on dept size but this could help. Or even another teacher friend outside the dept. Our school allows friendly cover on an adhoc basis and it does really help.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3274825-I-need-to-go-the-the-doctors-but-im-scared-Come-and-kick-me-up-the-bum?msgid=78790964

This is typical of the current situation wrt referrals to consultants.
Patient has worrying symptoms, sees GP, gets referral, has to wrestle with choose and book, then finds the waiting time is 6 months.
That is before you get to the random cancelling on the day or day before.

I've just asked my HT if I can go with my mum to a hospital appointment and she said no problem, even though it's at a tricky time of day. (Mum is 86 and has very poor mobility). When I read posts like the OPs, it makes me realise how lucky I am.