Hospital waiting lists

[Me]

Ok, my DH has to have an operation but he has been on the waiting list now for at least 3 years. all the reports that are written say that the waiting list is only 18mths long and we have since found out that the he is on the waiting list to see the specialist, not the waiting list to have the operation(this one is 18mths). this operation is getting quite serious but we just can't afford to go and get it done privately. our GP has sent about 3 referal letters to the hospital to review his case, but all we ever get is a letter back saying he's on the waiting list(to see the specialist). is there anything i can do?

[mumof 4]

Do you mind if I ask what it is your husbands waiting for. Also have you considered checking the waiting lists to other hospitals. There is no reason, other than more convinient for you, that your must use your nearest public hospital or even a hospital in your state. Depending on what following up care would be needed. maybe if you have family or friends living somewhere near a shorter waiting list that could be another option. Anyway sorry to hear that your husband has had to wait so long, doesn't seem right in an apparent boom.

[tobmac]

in brisbane the public hospitals have buffer zones meaning if you are in there zone they will only take you and the other hospital will refuse you (happened to us). Can you ring the specialist rooms and ask how far down the list are you? and can your gp ring and speak to someone. We saw a dr privatley for ds and he rang and got us in publicly within 3 wks as we said we couldnt afford to do it. ring and bug them.......

[Izy]

I agree with Tobmac- see if you can get in to see the specialist as a private patient (usually same price as public for the consult) and try to go from there as a public patient.

Depending on where you are getting him on a list elsewhere may be a VERY good idea.

I take it $70 a month (private health) is outside of the budget?

[Reidymac]

Wow. this thread is over 2 years old and the first response to the op was yesterday?????


I am pleased to say that the OP's DH had that surgery in Dec last year (also 2 years after the first post) . Hope hes made a full recovery Jess!

[tobmac]

:laughing::laughing::laughing: i didnt read the date it will teach me to from now on :D

[M O P]

perhaps I'll close it then :)