Question for Mr Tom

[signtalker]

I’m going through this process at present if anybody has any questions , already seen my consultant at the spire ( picked by me) had first consultation , letter sent to GP.
Referred for treatment ( 2 week pathway)( NHS) , then due to go back to spire for MRI( self funded):, to,discuss results and way forward .
If I waited on nhs just the first appointment was 47 weeks

If I can answer any questions I’m happy to help

Jules

[disney332]

Tom, did this involve Benenden?

Disney332

[biccode]

Many thanks everyone. Yes, I had assumed that in cutting out the long wait to see a consultant, it would mean that the operation would ultimately be done sooner, but the GP seemed to be saying that he was effectively already in the queue for the operation and his place in that wouldn’t change, even with private investigations - not quite sure how that can be the case though, when they don’t yet know if surgery is even needed, or the extent of it. Maybe the GP just wanted to discourage this. DH did at least manage to get an X-Ray on the NHS so at least that’s done.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Originally Posted by disney332

Tom, did this involve Benenden?

Disney332

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Some did and some didn’t. The costs were over what they allow though.

[Moorlandman]

Originally Posted by Loulou127

That’s not what I was told (albeit by a private physiotherapist), her advice was paying for the initial consultation would avoid the current 100 week wait for that first appointment, remains to be seen if she’s correct, I’m still at the asking questions stage at the moment x

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I guess what she is saying is correct as you won’t need that first appointment.

From what I have seen with my Dad who needs a replacement knee - the initial X-ray and consultant appointment was done by the NHS within 12 weeks this Spring. The consultant then said he would need a replacement knee and would put him on the urgent list - minimum 12 months probably 24 months.

[disney332]

Waiting lists suck.

I feel so sorry for anyone on one with no financial means for a quicker fix 💜

Disney332

[Enchanted]

I did this (sort of but on a lesser scale) with my Gallstones. I had a Florida holiday booked and wouldn't have been able to go with the amount of pain and severe attacks I was suffering. The waiting list just for a scan to see whether it was Gallstones was about 5-6mths at the time.
I paid £100 at an Ultrasound Clinic for a Well Woman Scan where she scanned the Gallstones and wrote the measurements on the scan. Took this to the GP who immediately referred me for the operation.
I then sent a (very polite) email to the hospital explaining about our holiday and just saying I would be very grateful if I could be considered for any cancellations. They replied a couple of days later with an operation date for a few weeks later.
So probably 6wks total from start to finish. £100 well spent.