How can I see an NHS hospital consultant quicker? (5 ways)
In this article we will describe 5 ways of seeing a hospital consultant quicker. Let’s not pretend it is easy.
It is hard, but there are things you can do.
1. Compare waiting times
Waiting times may vary between hospitals, and you should consider this when choosing a hospital.
When you are referred for your first outpatient appointment, the NHS e-Referral Service lets you book the appointment at a hospital or clinic of your choice, on a date and at a time that suits you.
It is not easy to use this service, especially if you are older and not into computers. Maybe a younger member of your family can help you.
2. Use the My Planned Care website before you are referred
This compares waiting times at different hospitals. Unfortunately the information there is not complete. Have a look anyway.
Be prepared to have treatment a reasonable distance from where you live.
You have the legal right to ask to be seen or treated by a different hospital if you are likely to wait longer than the maximum waiting time specified for your treatment. Ask.
3. Ask your GP
To put the word ‘urgent’ in the referral, and ask them to ring the consultant’s secretary to express that degree of urgency. They should be happy to do this, if it is urgent.
You can help your GP by doing your own research (via 1 and 2 above).
4. Ring the consultant’s secretary
To make sure the referral has arrived; and ask to be called at short notice if there is a cancellation.
5. Make a complaint
In England, the waiting time are your right under the NHS Constitution. So it your right (and role) to fight for them.
Be politely persistent and difficult.
Do not feel sorry for us. You pay our salaries. It’s your national health service.
Complain if you are not getting things done in good time. So, make a complaint in this order:
- Hospital PALS Department first. This is a good place to start
- Ring the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). They run hospital, not the Chief Executive. Ring them weekly. Something will happen
- Hospital complaints procedure
- Contact your local ICB. An ICB is a local level if NHS administration in England. Search ‘ICB’ and your area on Google to find your local ICB
- Contact the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
- Contact your Member of Parliament.
Summary
We have described how can I see an NHS hospital consultant quicker (5 ways). We hope this has helped you. We know it’s hard to see us at present. We are very sorry.
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