Finally getting somewhere....

[Mrs R]

So girls, I just wanted to let you know that knowledge is power!

In a nutshell, my lady G.P said she was referring us to a specialist in one hospital 8 weeks ago.

Found out last week that she had gone on maternity leave without bothering!! So a another G.P said he was referring us last Wednesday, but only bothered doing it yesterday!! And he sent us to an entirely different doctor and hospital!!

I knew none of this until about half and hour ago. I rang the first hospital I thought I was going to, only to be told they had never herad of me.

However they also told me I could jump the waiting list by paying for my initial consultation with the specialist. They told me to ring my G.P to see what was going on.

Rang G.P's office and was told that a referral had been made yesterday to a different hospital and doctor and she checked if it was me. BINGO!!

What was he doing for a week?? It was only a letter.

Anyway, rang second hospital and was told the waiting list is similar to the first (10 weeks) and that I would receive a confirmation letter shortly.

I have spent 2 months worrying about this, and 3 phone calls have told me everything I wanted to know.

So girls, be brave and make a few phone calls. I'll certainly sleep better tonight because of that.

 

[DaisyDuke]

Thanks chick, i'm being refered on monday, when do you think i should call the hospital to chase, cos i so will now.

 

[JASMAK]

Good advice! I had a similar experience. I tried to get referred to an OB/GYN several times, and the referral was never made several times. I finally wised up and phoned the office harassing them until they did it. That was about a year ago now.

 

[Mrs R]

Thanks chick, i'm being refered on monday, when do you think i should call the hospital to chase, cos i so will now.

I would give it a week as the receptionist told me the consultant has to read the referral first before they send out an appointment. Try ringing the hospital first to see if they have received your referral first, and if not ring your G.P to make sure it has been sent, what date it was sent etc.

My hospital even had a 'booking' department who were able to tell me how long the waiting list was and when I was likely to receive my appointment letter!! Who knew!

Good luck with your referral

 

[DaisyDuke]

right so a week on monday i'll call the hospital. Thanks, good luck with ur appointment. XXX

 

[Stardancer]

Well done for taking control! I'm one of those site back and wait kinda people, and I suffer for it. Plus, I think sometimes, you ring and they're so clueless you end up feeling as though YOU'RE the one who is talking crap. LOL. But yes, always better to ring around and get answers