Radiotherapy waiting times - thoughts?

Hi Tangle

That does seem a long wait and I can understand why you are concerned.

My thoughts would be to...............

1) Contact GP to see if there is any way that this can be moved forward- perhaps even to get the planning appointment out of the way so you are ready to start as soon as there is availability. (This happened 3 weeks before mine started.) GP would also likely be able to find out whether it is a general NHS backlog or whether there may be another hospital closer that could start you off sooner. Is there any sort of short notice cancellation list you could go on. 

2) You could consider contacting PALS for support.

What is PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Jane

My Trust works on within 12 weeks post op, I started mine at 11weeks post op, and my oncologist apologised that it was almost up to the line. Like Jane I too wouldn’t just accept this but would make some polite but firm noise with my GP (as the primary referrer) and would also submit a complaint to PALS. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. My hospital also does radio for other hospitals in the county (different health trust) when they can’t cope so maybe yours can come up with something if nudged. 

Thanks both - yes i have contacted PALS today; i don’t think i am a special case at all so don’t really see how my GP could move me forward in the queue which must be quite long. The long wait is for the clinical oncologist appt, the radiotherapy consultant appt and then the radiotherapy itself so there is no way to be any more ready. Am so disappointed today. 

Well done. Hopefully PALS can help.

I just wondered with GP whether they could find out any more for you. They would also be able to check waiting times for other hospitals to see if there were any other options. I contacted mine a couple of times and he was able to contact hospital direct. You say you feel you are not a special case but you have not had a straightforward time with your post op results, the possible lung mets and also the breast referral. You really have been through the mill and I get why you are feeling as you are. Its so disappointing and I know once I knew I needed chemo and radio I just wanted it to start. 

I hope that PALS can help. In the meantime we are here if you need us.

Jane

The GP *could* have some influence as they were the original referrer for the cancer pathway and your consultant is answerable/accountable to your GP and writes to them every time something is done.