Hello.

I have had a lump in my neck behind my jaw for six weeks following an infection, which is still there after two courses of antibiotics and is very painful. It has been impossible to even get a phone appointment with my GP until this week but I finally spoke to her today on the phone. She was very concerned and referred me on the 2 week wait pathway to see an ENT. She said I would likely need an ultrasound and an aspiration biopsy.  

The hospital just called me to say there was a mistake, that they aren't seeing any patients in person and my appointment with the consultant will now be over the phone and I will not be having an ultrasound or biopsy. I don't understand how they can possibly assess me when nobody but me has even seen the lump in person. 

I don't know what to do. If the ENT department at my local hospital aren't seeing anyone in person how can I possibly get either diagnosed or treated? Are there departments that are still seeing people? Is there a way I can be referred to one of them instead? 

I am terrified and have no idea how to proceed. We have been told over and over that the NHS is still up and running but it doesn't seem like it is? I'm so scared, in a lot of pain, and I suppose am looking for advice on how anyone reading would proceed in this situation really.