After several months feeling progressively worse, I was finally referred by my GP to gastroenterology. Having received the DART letter asking me to call and book my appointment with the specialist, I went along to North Devon Hospital.
I then realised I was being seen in General Medicine, not gastroenterology as my GP wanted. It gets better, after having been told everything my GP had also told me I was discharged back to my GP and told he needed to refer me to gastroenterology. I went in the next day to speak to my GP, who immediatly got back onto sending me to the right department.
2 weeks passed, I then heard from DART again, this time for the correct department. When I checked and the lady on the line asked why I was asking, I informed her that they had sent me to the wrong clinic. She told me I was wrong, it must have been my GP made a mistake on the referral. I was present when my GP dictated the letter. I know he did not make the mistake.
Anyway, we eventually moved on, and I was told this time they couldn't make me an appointment as the specialist had to look over my referral and decide if further tests were needed, and then they would get in touch with me. I was informed I could be waiting 12 weeks.
I went back to see my GP and my parents are now paying for a private consultation, as I can't wait another 12 weeks, I am struggling to work 3 days a week as it is due to the tiredness and everything is suffering.
The final icing on the cake was when my GP saw the letter and realised who I had seen, he told me I had been see by "care for the elderly." I am 24. It said so on my referral, even if it had not, my DOB is on my records which they had.
I have yet to hear anything positive about DART, everyone I have spoken to seems to have similar stories about them, and mistakes they have made.
"DART feedback and why I am now going private"
About: Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Exeter EX1 1PQ North Devon District Hospital / General medicine North Devon District Hospital General medicine EX31 4JB
Posted by c c bear (as ),
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