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"This waiting list is holding back my quality of life"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Bones, joint and fractures

(as the patient),

I had hip surgery last year, sadly this hadn't helped my situation and now I am waiting on a hip replacement.  I was sent the usual letter in February stating treatment within 12 weeks, which meant I would receive surgery before mid May.  Two weeks later I got the phone call advising me that waiting times were actually longer.  I have put my name forward for any cancellations etc.

Getting into the month of May I still hadn't heard from anybody on how much longer the wait would be.  Upon finally getting hold of someone after many phone calls I was advised that the wait is actually between 6 - 9 months.

I don't understand why I couldn't be advised of this sooner, I have put many plans on hold due to not knowing how much longer the wait would be.  I was told several times don't worry we can block you out for whatever holiday you want to take etc, I don't think the staff realise that actually your surgery is far more important to us as individuals, I am 44 and would like to have quality of life but at the moment life is on hold due to all the cut backs.

I as yet have still not received a date for surgery or even a pre op meeting.  My life is now on hold until I get that all important letter.  I don't think some of the staff understand what it's like patiently checking the mail daily in hope of getting the all important date.

The lack of communication is sad and frustrating.

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 5 years ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 28/06/2018 at 08:56
Published on Care Opinion at 09:39


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Quirrobe

Thank you for your post on Care Opinion.

Please accept my apologies for the lack of communication regarding our waiting times for surgery. I appreciate how frustrating this must be for you and the impact that this has on your quality of life.

The letter that you received in February would have been The Treatment Time Guarantee letter. This is a system generated letter that the NHS is required to send to patients under the Patients’ Rights Act 2011 and indicates that we will aim to treat patients within a 12 week period. Unfortunately, the Orthopaedic Service is under pressure which has resulted in the service not meeting the waiting time target. Please be assured staff continue to work to arrange additional activity to accommodate patients who have been delayed.

As soon as we are able to confirm a date for surgery, staff will be in touch with you.

Kind Regards

Susan Groom

General Manager, Surgery - South Sector

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