Amazing, at last, a hospital clinic appointment

[Fairygodmother]

I’ve just been given an appointment with a hospital clinic diabetes specialist doctor, and it’s come approximately six weeks before the end of the max wait period.
The poor appointments clerk I spoke with told me it was a real change to talk to someone who wasn’t angry.
I am angry, but not with hospital staff. I’m angry about every single factor that’s led to the appointments clerk getting the brunt of people’s frustrations.
Like many others, I’ve been waiting far far too long for an appointment to come through.

 

[becca59]

What is the maximum time as a matter of interest @Fairygodmother?

 

[Fairygodmother]

My understanding is that a request for a hospital appointment from a GP is given 6 weeks before the hospital responds and a hospital appointment then has to be given within the following 44 weeks: in all 50 weeks between request and appointment.

 

[Fairygodmother]

I’ve now seen the consultant, a big relief!
How many others are having to wait ten months for an appointment.
Cortisol to be checked as a possible source of low sodium and frequent hypos.
Also, my name will be put forward for a pump. It’s only the first step, and I may not be approved for one, but at last someone has looked at the day-to-day impacts and decided I would possibly benefit from having a pump.
Hooray.
Is it, or has it been, this hard for anyone else?

 

[Mrs HJG]

Hi @Fairygodmother glad you have got your foot in the door, it's a good feeling eh!

When I was trying to get properly diagnosed, after the triage clerk had reviewed my notes I was told it was a 12-14 month wait, so I went privately, (thankfully covered via Benenden) and saw the endo a couple of weeks later, (I could have seen someone else sooner, but I thought his specialisms were worth waiting for him to get back from holiday), and he is now my NHS consultant.

It's sad it has to be that way. We are now waiting for a cardiology appointment for my daughter, 4 months and counting which will probably result in an A&E trip to force their hands, which I am really loathed to do, but her life is miserable; and the ones you get to see and speak to are never the ones to blame for this whole NHS fubar

 

[Fairygodmother]

I agree, it’s not the frontline staff who are responsible for the fubar.
I hope, hope your daughter’s cardio problem is resolved, whether by the hard-working A&E people or an appointment coming through for her.
The doc I saw today was great. I praised, of course, thanked and at the end of the appointment I handed her some Nak’d bars to share with all who were doing the Saturday time slots.

 

[Nicola M]

I'm already under a consultant for my diabetes care although at my last appointment (April 2023) I was told they would see me again in 9 months time and only got an appointment for 11 months time (March 2024) so I can only imagine how difficult it is for everyone else.

My eye outpatient appointments are even worse though for my diabetes, I should be seen every 3 months and only get seen every 5-6 months if I'm lucky which is worrying because if someone has poor control a lot could change in those extra 2 months of not seeing an eye doctor. I'm lucky that my control is very good so I'm not worried about the extra wait for an appointment but still!!

 

[Fairygodmother]

I wonder what would happen if all those whose appointments are excessively delayed gathered to ask for more NHS funding.

 

[Hopeful34]

Glad you finally got an appointment @Fairygodmother and hope you soon get approved for a pump. Sorry your daughter has had such a long wait, it must be very stressful for you all. I hope she gets an appointment soon without having to go to A&E.
My pump clinic appointment have been every 6 months, so I count myself very fortunate. However, getting an eye appointment is a nightmare. I'm supposed to be seen every 3 months, but last time was over a year (and took a lot of physically going to outpatients appointments desk and asking if they had any slots as phone line just cut you off), and am already overdue again.
Waiting for an ENT appointment and was told 20 months initially.