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Type 1 and been "discharged to my GP"

P

pinewood

Well-Known Member
Messages
792
Location
London
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
I couldn't make the consultant appointment I had been given due to work committments so I called today to notify them and to ask to re-schedule.

They told me that - since this appointment was already a re-scheduled one (which is true) - I would now be discharged to my GP.

To be honest, I don't really care because my control is tight and my A1Cs have all been excellent; but at the same time I realise it is good to have a hospital consultant as I know how quickly things could change.

Is there anything I can do about this? I think it's incredibly unfair, it's not like I simply "no-showed", I called and gave plenty of notice that the appointments I were given were not suitable for me and yet they've still decided to discharge me? It's no wonder so many young people suffer with a lack of specialist T1D care in this country if this is how quick they are to strike you off.
 
To be fair, they have offered you support clearly, on 2 occasions that for whatever reasons you have cancelled.

Some would argue that this is self inflicted.
 
I'm afraid its the same rule here. My physio did the same thing last year.
 
Yes, and it's unfortunate that on the first occasion I was on holiday and on the second occasion I have an important work meeting that I cannot avoid. In both cases I have called the hospital weeks in advance to notify them that the proposed appointments are not suitable for me and to ask if another time is available. They can quite easily reallocate my slot and offer me another time. Thanks for your helpful comment.
 
That sounds a bit unfair. Could you write explaining you had valid reasons to reschedule and ask to go back on their list?

I often reschedule and haven't had that happen to me - fortunately. Maybe it's a routine thing but they'll be willing to,reconsider after a polite explanatory letter.
 
I wonder if your GP can refer you back again after a brief "cooling off period?" probably worth asking.

I agree that it's very unfair, I too have to reschedule my appointments often because of commitments like holidays, being bedridden with the flu (the last time) and important work meetings that already took months to organise in the first place.
 

If they gave you no warning that this would be the outcome, perhaps a phone call to reassure them that this was completely unavoidable and you didn't realise the consequences may change the situation?
 
When my physio discharged me back to my GP, my GP was immediately able to refer me back to the physio. Its just a rule the hospital has and it was explained in the letter they sent me arranging my first appointment.
 
That's certainly abnormal behaviour in my experience. I know the clinics around here will dump you if you "no-show" twice, as in, don't warn them, but re-scheduling with plenty of notice is not something I've ever had experience of. If I was you, I'd be getting on to them and asking them where that was stated in their policy, why you hadn't been notified of it until after you'd found yourself in that position, and then raising merry hell with them about it.

It's not like you haven't tried to go, you have clearly called them up in advance and asked to move an appointment. They are a service and you are the customer, so realistically, you have every right to give them as much stick as you like. I don't know where you are in the country, but if you're in London, I'd go back to the GP and say you want referring to a different hospital as this is unreasonable.

Oh, and I'd be making a complaint about it as well.
 
I no longer see a consultant because it would be a waste of resources. Both of us are happy that both my control and knowledge are such that it's not needed.

I now just see my GP and the Diabetes Nurse on an annual basis. I know that, should I need the services of the hospital, an appointment can be arranged via my GP surgery. We're always hearing of the stresses and strains on the health service and feel this is a small way to help.
 
My Consultant at the Hospital suggested signing me off a few years ago, due to my control being good. I asked to remain for re-assurance and I am glad I did as have had a few blips that I needed their support regarding my control. Fingers crossed you get another appointment.
 
Try phoning the relevant hospital department and ask for an appointment - they will usually reinstate you. If not, ask your GP to re-refer you - there shouldn't be a problem.
 
thanks, I'm thinking the same. Last appointment was a waste of my time and theirs.
 
It seems that more community care for type1 is now typical so the hospitals can look after people with complications. I was recently discharged to a community team. I made sure I saw my consultant before being discharged.
 
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