Welcome to the NHS as it operates at the moment.  I saw a GP for a problem at Easter, finally had appointment 12th May, the Consultant himself saw me and ordered an urgent MRI, that came yesterday, 23rd June is my date.  So I'm afraid its wait and be patient, there is little else you can do if its classed as non urgent.  Carol 

I echo the above and am in a similar situation. They seem to be triaging how urgent referrals are based on results of FiT tests. It's so frustrating! 

My hospital wait list is around a year and I've only been on it for 2 months. 

The alternative is to go to A&E but I don't know how far you will get with that. 

Good Luck! 
 

Hi Carol,

Glad to see you are getting somewhere now and hope everything goes well for you.

I knew the hospital wait would be long but never expected that the GP would be so slow! 

I called the reception later this afternoon and they seemed to think it should have been done by the end of the week that I was seen, so they are going to look into it for me.

To be honest my GP surgery doesn't have the best reputation and this is the second time they've said they would refer me and then haven't done. The first time they closed my case down and just didn't do it. Rather than just reopening the case I had to go through the process of seeing another doctor to get it started back up again so I have little faith in them to actually do it!

Good luck for the 23rd June.

Hi Aries223,

Very frustrating! I knew the hospital wait would be a while but never expected that the GP would take so long and this is the second time they've said they would do it after shutting my case down without doing it the first time. I'm so frustrated with the GPs because I know my wait doesn't start until they do that referral!

I'm sorry you're having this same experience, a  year is a very long time it looks like we are luckier here if it's currently only a 5 month wait.

Best of luck to you and hope the wait comes down in your area.

Hi Tazmin,

 I'm sorry to hear of your symptoms too and the hospital's response to you referral. It's so worrying and no comfort when your discounted due to age, can your GP advocate for you? I've heard that sometimes they can and will do this?

Wishing you all the best and to be seen quickly.

I would just keep on at the GP if I were you. That's all you can really do. 
 
The age thing should no longer be a factor in my opinion. It's difficult to accept that this is the impact of Covid, it's such a stressful time. 

fingers crossed it's sorted once and for all asap! 

My recent colonoscopy appointment was really quick due to meeting the cancer  criteria, it revealed ovarian cysts and the colorectal team referred me to gynaecology oncology,  after tests l had surgery within 12 weeks NHS at its best.
I hope you have a similar experience if you need onward care following your colonoscopy. 
The GP receptionist will be able to see if your referral has been made, l would ring in a couple of weeks to see what's happening it will all go quite over the bank holidays it doesn't take much to slow them down. Unfortunately non urgent is pretty slow at the moment they are still blaming Covid here's hoping it speeds up soon.

susie

Aries223 I completely agree they really do need to scrap the age criteria, you've no doubt read as I have, that it's led to so many late diagnosis, Deborah James is a case in point.

Called the doctors yesterday, receptionist said she'd look into it and call me back. Waited to 4pm today, no phone call, spoke to another receptionist who did seem to take it more seriously this time but have to wait for another call back hopefully tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed we both get there soon!

Tazmin this age thing is so frustrating but I'm glad you have a compassionate GP, fingers crossed you get somewhere on Friday.