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. Some background first.
Maximum waiting times for non-urgent referrals (from your GP to a hospital consultant)
The maximum waiting time for an non-urgent, consultant referral is 18 weeks from when the hospital receives your referral letter (or from the day it is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service).
It is important to note this means the time to the definitive treatment, decided on by the consultant, not seeing the consultant.
The ‘treatment’ could mean an operation, procedure, starting dialysis or a specific hospital-only drug, or no treatment (if none is required). This why the full name is the ‘Referral-to-Treatment (RTT) 18 Week Pathway Referral’.
Maximum waiting times for urgent cancer referrals
The maximum waiting time for suspected cancer is 2 weeks from when the hospital receives your referral letter (or from the day it is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service).
NB: Referrals for investigations of breast symptoms, where cancer is not initially suspected, are not urgent; and therefore fall outside the scope of the 2 week target, and 18 weeks applies.
After the 2 week referral, there is another target (of 62 days) until your cancer treatment should start.
OK OK. But, how can I see an NHS hospital consultant quicker?
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
This compares waiting times at different hospitals. Unfortunately the information there is not complete. Have a look anyway.
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.
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.
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 through hospital, not the Chief Executive. Ring them weekly
- 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. We are very sorry.
