"Delay in referral to Hospital consultant"

First time I have ever written a complaint about anything so indication of the level of frustration felt at this time.

I injured my knee end of April and visited practice in May as pain / immobility was not improving. Referred to Walsall Manor hospital for MRI with appointment 13th July. Results from MRI came back to the practice 16th August and appointment made with Collingwood GP on 21st August to review MRI results.

During review with the GP (locum) mention made of meniscus problem and deterioration of the joint and referral to an Orthopaedic consultant was required. I took a hand written draft letter by the locum to reception to be typed / sent to the Consultant etc.

More than three weeks after this visit and having received no hospital appointment I telephoned Collingwood practice and spoke with a very helpful receptionist . Transpires that internal practice is for all hospital referrals to be over viewed by another doctor before being sent, albeit this internal referral was not made until the 4th September (15 days after GP visit) and has still not been reviewed by the time of this telephone enquiry (13th Sept)..

We are all aware of NHS issues however the process to get treatment is already lengthy enough without further unnecessary delays in actually getting the appropriate appointments and appropriate treatment.

Your comments re above would be appreciated and confirmation that the said referral has now finally been made.

There is no email address for the practice to refer directly hence the reason for using this review process

Paul Rafter