Consultants to go on strike

Hi Lyon

I don't know when your OH had his biopsy - if the results are in - is it worth pestering the Oncology department saying if the results are in have you an earlier appointment / or we will take any cancellation as we have anxiety and it's not helping. The other thing I would be asking is if he is going down the Hormone Treatment Route is there any possibility of starting this right away?

I know all hospitals are under pressure but a little bit of gentle badgering works. My dedicated urology nurse said to me "Brian, he who shouts loudest in the NHS gets" - I shouted at her and got an appointment within 7 days!

Hope you get sorted and the results are good.

Kind Regards - Brian.

Thank you, Brian.  Your advice is hopefully being acted on this morning though not sure how loud the shouting will be!  Hopefully be able to come back with further news soon.  

Take care

He rang.  There is absolutely no chance of bringing the appointment forward but the secretary has put him on a list should a cancellation crop up over the next ten days.  After that the oncologist goes on holiday, so it's not looking hopeful.  He was very depressed after the call as he has realised that, should his appointment be cancelled due to strike action, he than drops to the bottom of the list.

Hi - So sorry to hear that.

The NHS guidelines for a cancer referral are 62 days from the urgent referral from the GP to treatment being started. I think my next step would be to check the dates and I assume your hospital has a PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service).

Contact PALS, let them know the situation, explain that it's advanced PC ant treatment needs to start ASAP and your anxiety isn't helping. They may be able to push something through for you.

I hope this helps - i do have a further arrow in my quiver if you don't get any joy but would use this one as a last resort - try this first and see if PALS can help.

Best wishes

Brian.

Hi Lyon

Sorry to hear of your predicament. Can your GP help? If not can I suggest that you make a formal complaint to your hospital trust chief exec in writing as your husband should definitely not drop to the bottom of the list in these circumstances?

Also, and assuming you live in England, you can contact the chief executive of your Integrated Care System with a formal complaint. I don't know where you live or which hospital trust you are dealing with so can't point you in the right direction for this. The Chief exec will, of course, pass it down the chain of command.

HTH

It just seems like everyone is going on strike these days.  They all know what they are signing for when they start the jobs.

Why can't they just get on with their respective jobs?

Lyon, I know this doesn't help you.  It's so annoying, you wait forever for an appointment, then get told it's cancelled.

Sorry about the rant!  Hope you do get something sorted soon.

Thank you all for your most helpful and what seems to be very sound advice.  It's raining here today, so a goo opportunity while we have time indoors to sit and have a really good talk about it all and see where OH wants to go from here.  I think if I can explain  to him the various paths you have suggested it may help hi to feel a bit more positive and not let events just take over.  I am very grateful to you all for taking the time to respond.  It really helps.