Heart Failure - 12 month wait

Wibbles

My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Heart Failure in March - and has just been chasing up the hospital (she hasn't been contacted or given any updates at all) - she was now told that she will now have a 12 month wait until the next vacancy - she is 84 years old for gods sake !!

MW123

@Wibbles

Wibbles, I recall when you mentioned your mother-in-law's heart failure a few months ago. I understand she lives at a distance from you, but you can still be a strong advocate for her. If she hasn't been prescribed medication for her condition, I recommend contacting her GP.

While the NHS does have long waiting times, there are ways to manage and mitigate the risks associated with heart failure in the meantime. Your mother-in-law's GP will be crucial in ensuring she receives the best care possible.

Additionally, most hospitals in the UK have a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) that offers support, information, and can help resolve any concerns or issues about your mother-in-law's waiting time. They act as a mediator between you and the hospital.

I appreciate this is a worrying time for your family. I live with heart failure, and medication has been essential in managing my symptoms. These medications help by reducing the workload on the heart, controlling blood pressure, and preventing fluid build up. Stay proactive in advocating for her care.

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/876983#Comment_876983

She is on blood thinners - which have caused her problems with bleeding in the past - she nicked a finger and it bled and bled - eventually she was taken in to hospital by ambulance where they stopped the bleeding after about 6 hours !

The pair don't have any transport - so when she had her heart op, 10 or so years ago - they had to go by bus to the hospital and to get home again after the op !

And whether my Father in law can look after himself, if and when she has to go back into hospital - he is 96 and suffers from poor mobility as well as poor memory !

Jimm_Alumni

Have you checked if this falls under Right to Choose @Wibbles? https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework/the-nhs-choice-framework-what-choices-are-available-to-me-in-the-nhs#asking-to-change-healthcare-provider-if-you-have-to-wait-longer-than-the-maximum-waiting-times

Your choices

You can ask to be referred to a different provider of NHS services if:

you have to wait, or have already waited, more than 18 weeks before starting treatment or assessment for a physical or mental health condition, as long as your referral is not urgent and the service you require is led by a consultant

you have to wait, or have already waited, more than 2 weeks to see a specialist for suspected cancer

Wibbles

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/877577#Comment_877577

They will no doubt squirm their way out - using "There is no service available for the treatment you need that can start treatment sooner" ??

Jimm_Alumni

I understand it'll likely get fobbed off. You miss all the shots you don't take though. I know this has really helped some people I know get treatment several months earlier than waiting for NHS services.