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I am in shock what has happened to our nhs

Jodie11
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I am so worried, 4 weeks ago I got referred by my dr for a 2 weeks breast appointment to rule out Vance. After 3 weeks I got an appointment miles away but I was prepared to go anywhere that had an appointment. Today I arrived at the hospital and hour early being so anxious, there were about 10 ladies all there as an emergency, after 45 minutes no one was called to be seen, then a lady appeared and told us they didn't have a dr to examine any of us and to call and re book . I was in shock apparently one dr took annual leave and the other she couldn't get through to. We were not happy and she made some calls and said we could be seen in at a hospital in woolich on Friday, however no one called to confirm and her number goes straight to voicemail. I am in shock and think I'll have to pay to be examined. I've lost weight itching all over feel awful and my faith in any system here has completely gone. Anyway rant over just feel so scared 

  • Hello Jodie11 thank you for your post.

    I am so sorry to hear about what has happened with your 2 week breast referral , and I can appreciate you want to know what you can do. 

    If you have not already done so leave a message with your contact details on the voicemail of the team you were told to contact in Woolwich.  Hopefully someone will then get back to you.

    If you do not hear from this team then get back in touch with your GP and explain what has happened.  And ask if you can be referred anywhere else. Unfortunately we do know that across the UK many people are waiting longer to be seen in the NHS. so many people will look to see if a private appointment will help. With this increased demand for appointments in the hospital (NHS and Private)  system that is still affected by covid-19 even going privately might not get you a much quicker appointment, but you could ask.  You might be seen earlier but not necessarily so. So I think if you do want go down this route that you also discuss this with your GP.  

    I hope this has been of some help and do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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