Should I chase urgent NHS MRI referral after four weeks waiting?

[justaboymummy]

I'm waiting for an "urgent" MRI scan. Requested by gynae following having one last year and then not seeing my usual gynae consultant and the findings were dismissed..... fast-forward to Feb and my gynae now wants the MRI repeating due to some "concerning matters" and to then follow up with MDT.

I haven't heard anything yet from the referral and my appointment was a little over 4 weeks ago, my NHS trust operates out of 2 sites both of which do MRI scans however, the communication methods often change, sometimes by post only, other times phone call and text. Our postal service is shocking so I'm thinking to chasing the MRI up in case they have sent an appointment letter out and I haven't yet received it. I don't want to be a nuisance though given how stretched services are. Would you hang on a little while longer or chase now?

Wait times are typically 6 weeks (yep, out with the target) however you should be on a partial booking list with it already vetted and protocoled. I would ring the general line, ask for MRI radiology booking clerks and just see how long you can expect to wait. Be super polite and just ask to check it's been put through.

Absolutely . I would have rung after a week to make sure they had the referral and to ask for an estimate of waiting time, also to say I would be available for any cancellation.

@justaboymummy yes of course you should chase it up.

Yes. I would phone them daily if need be.

Those who shout the loudest get heard.

No one’s going to put you at the back of the line because you’ve called and asked politely.

Phone the MRI booking line. I had to do a lot of the admin myself when I needed an MRI because I wanted to move it locally (because my neuro team are two hours away) and the direct booking line were very accommodating. They told me that my referral was on the system and how long the wait was. Radiology called me that afternoon to book a slot.
You do sometimes have to be proactive about chasing departments.

Thanks all, I know we have to advocate for ourselves with the NHS I've been here before but I've seen first hand recently the amount of pressure it's facing (alot imo caused by many people abusing it). I will give Radiology a call shortly and see what they say.

Thank you all for your replies I did end up chasing my MRI and had the scan 2 weeks after.
I've had a call this morning to confirm the MRI has been reported on now and I am scheduled to be included in this week MDT meeting....... 6 week wait for MRI in total but the report was done within a week of the scan being carried out and MDT less than a week after this...... not sure if I should be pleased it's being progressed or worried LOL! Time will soon tell though I'm sure.