I suffered from two disc herniations at L4/L5 and L5/S1 in April 2007 and received nothing but fantastic service and support from the entire team at Derriford for my ops in May 2008 and March 2009. What is shocking to me now, is that my 24 year old daughter (a lone parent looking after a 2 and a half year old son), suffering from the same condition as I did, for her now over a year (referred via GP in Sept 2014 after trying to let nature do its best for several months), who is employed and looks after some of the most vulnerable in society, has worked continuously up until the last week despite the dibilitating pain she is in (and has finally given in unable to walk without crying with every step) has had to wait 22 weeks already and has only just been given a pre-op assessment date that she had to chase. On top of that, she has been told that the operation she requires may, just may happen after the pre-op in another 6 months or longer because there are no beds! Whilst I empathise fully with those who are going through neuro and wish them well, the situation is totally unacceptable. Nuffield is just across the road and the same surgeons who practice at Derriford also provide private treatement there. These delays are costing more in benefit payments than the cost of a private solution to the problem. Come on Derriford, the NHS constitution is there for all to read. My daughter has been left high and dry after your failure to even arrange a pre-op to get her on the surgical waiting list since her referral in September. I am desperately trying to raise the funds so that if necessary, I can pay the same surgeon who would perform the operation at Derriford to do it across the road at Nuffield. Why should I though? If the beds are blocked then offer my daughter the opportunity to have the required operation at a hospital of her choice, at your expense and as soon as possible. I take it the surgeons are available if there are no beds!! Yours sincerely a very frustrated father.
"Different times"
About: Derriford Hospital Derriford Hospital Plymouth PL6 8DH
Posted via nhs.uk
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