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Care Opinion

Neurosurgical Waiting Times

Posted By old geek

"Neurosurgical Waiting Times"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Neurosurgery (Ward 64 – 66)

(as the patient),

After attending Monklands hospital for physiotherapy since last year, earlier this year an MRI showed some potential issues with discs in my neck and my physiotherapist referred me to the neurosurgical department at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for further assessment 

After hearing nothing from the hospital close to the 18 week waiting time, I called them, only to be told the waiting time was 28-30 weeks. At week 25, I called again, just to see if the waiting time had reduced. I was informed the waiting time was now 27 weeks and I should receive my appointment.

As I am now entering week 29 with no sign of an appointment, I have contacted the booking number twice and left messages, with no response.

I have also written an email to the Glasgow Health Board to ask for an explanation as to why the 18 week waiting time has not been me. However, I have received no communication from the health board. 

My physical and mental health has deteriorated so much that I am now unable to work and have been on sick leave since late August with real concern for the future. While I am aware of the challenges the NHS have, some communication to the patient every now and then would do wonders for morale - rather than being kept in the dark, eagerly awaiting an appointment to come through.

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 6 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 09/11/2017 at 09:26
Published on Care Opinion at 10:18

picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Old Geek

Please accept my apologies for the lack of communication regarding your referral to Neurosurgery.

Unfortunately we have experienced significant increases in the number of people being referred for neurosurgery which has led to an increase in waiting times.

I would be grateful if you could email me with your personal details including your date of birth so that we can look into this further. My email address is Nicole.McInally@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. can you also quote the reference number: 430332?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards

Nicole

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Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 6 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 24/11/2017 at 16:01
Published on Care Opinion at 16:19

picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Old Geek

Please accept my apologies that you have not yet received your appointment. Referrals into the West of Scotland Neurosurgery service are prioritised on the basis of clinical urgency, and then in date order accordingly. I would like to offer you my assurances that the neurosurgical service continually reviews the length of time that patients are waiting and re-prioritise outpatient appointment capacity to ensure the needs of our patients are met.

If you are able to provide your details, we would be happy to look into specifics relating to your case. Please email Nicole.McInally@ggc.scot.nhs.uk. Can you also quote the reference number: 430332?

Regards

Craig Broadfoot

Clinical Service Manager - Neurosurgery, Neuroanaesthetics and OMFS

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