"Awaiting treatment-14 months and counting"

Aug ’13 – Dentist referral to your hospital following several infections & repeat courses of antibiotics. Nov '13 - attended Oral Surgery -was referred to Conservation Dept. Mar '13 - attended Conservation Dept. Referred back to my Dentist for completion of RCT work. My Dentist advised was too difficult for general dentistry (too many canals/heavily filled/post/crowned) hence referral to Dental Hospital. I sought second opinion. This Dentist requested x-rays from Dental hospital. When eventually received concurred with my Dentist & re-referred my case to Dental Hospital. Referral was rejected in July 14. My Dentist attempted to carry out the necessary work but unsurprisingly encountered difficulty and re-referred me to Dental Hospital. This referral was accepted. Other General Dentists have also concurred work too difficult for general practitioners. Oct 14 – On contacting your hospital requesting an early appointment was advised referral is a new referral . I have been triaged as ‘routine’ and informed will have to wait several months for an initial assessment appointment (why? - my notes will confirm the required treatment). Surely whoever reviewed my previous referral would realise this is a continuing problem - originating from Aug ‘13?!! I am in constant pain, suffer repeat infections (symptoms incl. headaches/ feverishness /sleep problems) & require regular antibiotics which in turn cause secondary problems (incl. repeat episodes of oral thrush / stomach problems – all requiring additional medication!) This situation which has dragged on for some 14 months is having a detrimental effect on my physical & emotional well-being. I feel it is not appropriate to be placed at the bottom of waiting list as technically I am not a new referral. Having to wait 14 months for treatment whilst Dentists play Politics is not acceptable . My current situation is extremely debilitating. I have no quality of life. I request my case be reviewed & expedited ….I really need my life back!!!