"Rheumatology/"

Anything else?

Wait times are the issue. A couple of weeks ago I tried to get an initial appointment via choose and book in the Rheumatology Department; "there are no available appointments" the site stated. I phoned the 'help line' where someone told me that this department is under massive pressure, there are no appointments for the foreseeable future - then suggested I book a 'triage' appointment to make clear whether I need to see a consultant. It seems like just another way of massaging wait times to me. I have been referred for a consultant opinion by my GP - should that decision really have to be justified by a nurse? The phone contact could give me no idea when I would actually be seen by a consultant - other than 'months probably.' Exercised my NHS right to go anywhere and see anyone and got an appointment in a different hospital, with a consultant, in three weeks. Similar problem when another family member wanted to book Rheumatology - no available appointments - so again, forced to go elsewhere. I see that they are no putting up wait times, at least that's a step in the right direction - but obviously it's an average across the whole hospital - there should be clearly displayed wait times for each department.

My daughter has to wait almost six months to see a consultant in the Orthognathic Clinic, as they are only there one day a month.

No problem with staff that I've seen - all helpful, and when you can get an appointment, kept in a timely fashion. Front line staff seemed embarrassed by the long wait times ...