Hi Linda,

I think each circumstance is unique and there’s no black and white. In my experience I had a CT scan that was sent for a second opinion. About 4 weeks later I was invited for a biopsy. Once that biopsy took place everything moved so fast. If the results are cancer the following appointments will be a consultant. Even if not it may be a different type of consultant. Personally I don’t think private care is needed as the NHS staff are amazing but they usually need a bit of time to get a certain diagnosis, referrals, discussions on review boards etc.

from my personal experience the only thing lacking was the lack of communication on next steps, what to expect etc. but once you have a diagnosis things move quickly and the teams are amazing. 

Thank you cab88,

Dad saw a Rheumatologist on a private basis ( the NHS wait was 6+ months) as scleroderma was suspected and she confirmed that had we done the CT scan privately, the results would have been back more quickly.I can only speak about previous NHS care for my late mum when she was in hospital and it was poor together with another more recent experience with a young family member for a condition that originated over 6 months ago and a friend who had cancer treatment delayed in recent strikes. Hopefully my dad will have the great experience that you described, I pray that he does, thank you for taking the time to reply, it is appreciated and I hope that you are on the road to beating your condition.

Steph…thank you for that.