Recently returned from Canada, I registered with a GP as soon as possible as I am an Addisons Disease patient dependent upon steroids. Unbeknownst to me and my Canadian endocrinologist, the type of steroid prescribed in Canada is no longer available in UK. My current supply of steroids runs out by mid-March. Two weeks ago, my GP referred me to the Endocrinology clinic so that I can be switched to another type of steroid. Today, in the Telephone Appointment, I was advised there is no appointment availability until earliest April, several weeks after I run out of steroids. I explained my dilemma and was told to call in 2 weeks to see if there is any change to appointment availability.
While I appreciate the demands upon the NHS, and I don't expect immediate attention, I was surprised at the wait. I would have thought that there was some sort of triage in effect to accommodate unexpected urgent cases such as this. I noticed also that this site advises an 8-day wait for outpatients' first appointment, not 8-weeks. Perhaps it can be updated.
Naturally, I am left feeling a bit apprehensive about my health care situation and hope it can be resolved.
"Endocrinology outpatient referral wait - triage..."
About: Royal Derby Hospital Royal Derby Hospital Derby DE22 3NE
Posted via nhs.uk
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