NHS waiting lists?

Question

I've been told by my consultant that I need an operation on my ankle. Which I pleased about as it has caused me many years of misery. However, I've now received a letter from the NHS telling me to appear the the hospital to assess my need for the operation. I'm concerned. Is this how they've improved the waiting lists by telling people they can't have the operations they need? Or am I being overly suspicious?

Answer 1

this appearance at the hospital is an initial assesment of your condition which takes into account the amount of pain range of movement and effect on your quality of life and mobility, so i think that you are beeing a little too suspicious my dear, generally if you have to wait more than 3 months between appointments then you would have cause for complaint be patient and just get better ok

Answer 2

If your consultant says you need the Op then I'm sure you'll get it. I had a hip replacement a few years ago and have had a major operation on my back. The NHS were brilliant in all aspects. I had to wait about 9 months for my hip operation and was in a great deal of pain when walking. But I don't think that's to long considering the state of the NHS and the fact that they perform life saving operations before operations for people with pain. So as you say don't be overly suspicious.

Answer 3

It wont mean you cant have the operation they will just decide how long you will need to wait. E.g if you are suffering more than the next person and its going to mean more treatment in the long run (meaning more cost to them!) you will go before them in the queue and visa versa. If the consultant has said you need it then you will get it, i dont blame you being suspicious this is the NHS!
P.s i agree with chickenbutt, dont overdo it though they can tell if you are lying about certain things. The only thing they have no idea about is your pain as everyones pain threshold is different.

Answer 4

I am resident in Spain. I can see my Doctor by making an appointment the day before - I never have to wait more than 5 minutes to see him.

If I need attention (I have had treatment for Kidney stone, treatment for High Blood pressure, treatment for breathing difficulties) all at the local hospital within 7 days after seeing my doctor and this included all xrays and other tests.

For one particular treatment I had to travel over 50 miles to a hospital with the all necessary speciality departments and equipment. All these arrangements were made within 30 days and as I was an in patient had all my travel expenses and food allowance for both my wife and I to attend re-imbursed,

Don't anyone ever tell me the U.K. national health service is better than the Spanish - They are quicker by far and it doesn't matter if you are Spanish or not.

Answer 5

Hiya,
From what I understand, this assessment does not apply to whether or not you need the operation, (the consultant has already made that decision), it applies to how urgent the necessary surgery is.

Answer 6

They could be just assessing you for the type of operation you'll need. If you're concerned go back to your GP and ask him/her to explain and investigate. Good luck.

Answer 7

exadurate your problems if i were you not ott but a little if you can walk 100 yards with out problems sayyou can only walk 50 or if you can walk 50n say 25 etc and if the pain is 6 out of ten say its 7 not ott but itll bumop u up the list at least

Answer 8

At least you have an apointment for assessment, I have been waiting for 4 months for a scan!
Good luck and I hope it goes well for you.

Answer 9

l know how you feel, l'm waiting to get my gall bladder removed, l've been having problems for nearly four years and been in hospital 3 times because of it, l'm still on the waiting list to have it removed.

Answer 10

in scotland before an op you go to hospital and you are given like an m.o.t. to make sure you are fit enough to go through an op