Results are in..

I would find out who the oncologist is and write to them.  Alternatively ring their secretary…they’re usually helpful.  

The consultant said the referral hadn’t even been done till today so i haven’t even been allocated one yet.

I would suggest contacting your hospital PALS ( sometimes called PILS) service. They are allowed something like 2 weeks or so to sort. So you will have to be politely assertive. Remind them that as a cancer patient the Government target is that you should receive your first treatment within 62 days ( referral to treatment time - RTT) and the clock is ticking. If they say they. Can’t help immediately, then your cue is to say, politely and calmly, that the stress is too much, this is your life at stake, that you are left with no choice but to make a formal complaint, contact your mp and take legal advice. 

this is what I had to do ! Sorted same day!

Do stress that you will take any late cancelled appointments ( if you can drop everything and get to the hospital). 

it is essential to control your frustration and not be aggressive !

Hth

Thanks, I’m a calm but worried person, I’ll try that! 

Perfect answer.  Polite, controlled, persuasive and, keep it friendly and appreciative of what the NHS is doing to try to cure you.  Oh, and if you always (politely) ask for the name of who you are speaking to - and thank them profusely- this shifts some accountability on to them to make things happen. Better still, if you can do all this via email (I used to email my contact in PALS - I was on Christian name terms (!) - and sent a formal thank you once the NHS met their target for starting treatment.   AW

Yeah I found one particularly helpful lady and we nearly ended up having a lifelong friendship ! ( well, a bit of an exaggeration!) Do let us know how you get on!

forgot to say, the RTT time of 62 days is from the date your GP refers you to a specialist. Hospital trusts have to report how successful they are in reaching this target. 

Thanks everyone. In the end I contacted my McMillan specialist nurse, who was very helpful, he has ensured the referal has been sent and I going to chase an appointment for me and contact me back to confirm it. 

Sounds good! Hope things get moving for you now!

Hi Granty glad you got things sorted,one thing less to worry about and you have to be firm but polite because if you don’t inquire then you’ll go to the back off the queue,take care