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Long waiting lists and lack of information

Posted By nairn123

"Long waiting lists and lack of information"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Neurology

(as the patient),

My GP has made an urgent referral for me to see a Neurologist - he assured me that it would be 3 weeks at the most for urgent cases - that was 3 weeks ago.

I rang the hospital today to be told by a disinterested appointments clerk that the waiting list for urgent referrals is 12 weeks.

My GP is trying to get me an earlier appointment, it's not his fault, he has tried his best.

There seems to be a lack of information coming from the hospital to GPs on the current length of waiting lists.

My GP wouldn't have referred me as an urgent case if he didn't feel it was necessary. I am in a lot of discomfort. 

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Responses

Response from Louise Ewing, Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services, Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide 7 years ago
Louise Ewing
Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services,
Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide

Submitted on 26/08/2016 at 15:49
Published on Care Opinion at 15:53

picture of Louise Ewing

Dear nairn123

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your current health situation. I was sorry to hear of your situation and appreciate your disappointment. It would be helpful if you would contact me directly to discuss the specifics, which will then allow me to seek a direct response for you.

Please contact me directly on 01592 648069

Regards

Louise Ewing

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Louise Ewing, Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services, Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide 7 years ago
Louise Ewing
Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services,
Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide

Submitted on 05/09/2016 at 13:32
Published on Care Opinion at 13:33

picture of Louise Ewing

Dear nairn123

Thank you for contacting me directly. I was pleased to hear that your GP had managed to resolve the issue concerning the appointment. I hope the information I was able to share with you about the specific challenges around recruiting to Neurology was helpful, as well as the way in which we are working collaboratively to resolve the current issues.

With regards your feedback about your contact with the Service; I have now been able to share your feedback with the appropriate staff. By doing so this enables staff to reflect on the way in which they communicate with patients. I do appreciate your contact.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

Regards

Louise Ewing

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Update posted by nairn123 (the patient)

I am really pleased that the issues surrounding my original post have been addressed. I have spoken to Louise Ewing from NHS Fife who was interested in my concerns and has taken action - for that Louise thank you :)

In addition, I had my first neurology appointment today and was very impressed in how thorough the neurologist was in her examination and the questions she asked. I have now started having the first of a long line of tests and scans which will, I hope, find out what is wrong with me!

Response from Louise Ewing, Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services, Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide 7 years ago
Louise Ewing
Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services,
Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide

Submitted on 05/09/2016 at 16:07
Published on Care Opinion at 16:11

picture of Louise Ewing

Dear nairn123

Thank you for letting us know how the consultation went today; I can share your positive feedback with the Team. I am pleased things are now moving for you and hope this leads to some answers for you.

Thanks again for taking the time to update me.

Kind Regards

Louise

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Update posted by nairn123 (the patient)

Over the past 3 weeks I have had blood tests, an ECG, a CT scan, ultrasound & next a MRI in late October. When I saw my neurologist for the initial consultation she said she wanted to see me as soon as possible after all my tests had been completed. Therefore I was expecting my next appointment in early November. I have today received an appointment for January 2017!

This means I will again have to call the hospital to try to get an earlier date - which didn't work last time & then contact my GP to see if he can do something. I find this completely unacceptable, very stressful & upsetting.

I am being tested for a possible stroke surely my case should be a priority?

Any advice via this site would be appreciated.

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