Cancer Research UK main site

Would a private consultation affect my place on nhs waiting

Loren91
Offline

Hi,

I was referred urgently to ENT due to a lump in my throat which is causing me no end of discomfort, ear ache, snoring, a sensation of something stuck there or a growth of some kind.

However, the hospital reviewed the referal and prioritised it as routine and therefore is an 18month wait for inital appointment.

I have seen my gp twice and I am struggling to get a proper diagnosis they told me they dont think its anything worrying but havent been totally convincing leaving me worried.

Im thinking about seeing a consultant privately just for a consultation in the hope they can reassure me or advise me if they think it is okay to wait 18 months I just dont want to loose my place on the NHS waiting list as although I would pay for a consultation I can not afford private treatment. 

I've made a few enquires but havent got clear answers. Its really upsetting me especially as im 40 weeks pregnant its really worrying me 

Thank you!

  • Offline

    Hi,

    If you pay for a private consultation & they think you need exploratory tests (and treatment if necessary) you can ask to go back to the NHS. It doesn't mean you have to wait for another consultation - you just join the 'tests' list which will be a lot sooner. Many private consultants are also NHS consultants so you may find that the one you see at your private consultation also deals with you under the NHS. Obviously you can discuss all this with them at your consultation &, if you are happy with it, ask your GP to cancel the NHS referral so that the appointment (in 18 months time) can go to someone else. Good luck,

    Angie

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi. My doctor said they were referring me to an ENT which could take about 8 months so I called up and cancelled as id already been waiting 5 months for diagnosis over the phone due to covid. I then called a private clinic and got booked in the ENT 5 days later. After consultation he booked for for a CT scan two days later and then I get my results on Monday at his clinic with the nhs. So basically Iv been referred back into the nhs but seen a lot quicker. Hope this helps 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.