NHS waiting times

[IronJambo]

I just very recently seen a consultant at ENT after an 85 week wait. 

 

I was referred to plastics for an arm/hand issue in December and when chasing it up recently I was advised I probably wouldn't be seen this year. 

 

My employer won't let me work as it is and I'm now on half pay which is going to be a struggle so I'm going to be at the GP tomorrow to see if things can be moved along and if not I'll need to take it private if I can. 

 

I don't like it but if the latter happens I'll be doing all I can to sue the NHS for lack of care/negligence. For reference, this is in England and the NHS constitution states that the maximum waiting time for the start of treatment should be no longer than 18 weeks. 

 

Anyone done this or similar?

[davemclaren]

1 hour ago, IronJambo said:

I just very recently seen a consultant at ENT after an 85 week wait. 

 

I was referred to plastics for an arm/hand issue in December and when chasing it up recently I was advised I probably wouldn't be seen this year. 

 

My employer won't let me work as it is and I'm now on half pay which is going to be a struggle so I'm going to be at the GP tomorrow to see if things can be moved along and if not I'll need to take it private if I can. 

 

I don't like it but if the latter happens I'll be doing all I can to sue the NHS for lack of care/negligence. For reference, this is in England and the NHS constitution states that the maximum waiting time for the start of treatment should be no longer than 18 weeks. 

 

Anyone done this or similar?

Doubt you can sue. 

[Threedoorsdown]

The system is goosed. And whilst we are at it, all the NHS workers I know are lazy *******s.

[davemclaren]

1 minute ago, Threedoorsdown said:

The system is goosed. And whilst we are at it, all the NHS workers I know are lazy *******s.

Deary me. 😄

[John Findlay]

1 hour ago, IronJambo said:

I just very recently seen a consultant at ENT after an 85 week wait. 

 

I was referred to plastics for an arm/hand issue in December and when chasing it up recently I was advised I probably wouldn't be seen this year. 

 

My employer won't let me work as it is and I'm now on half pay which is going to be a struggle so I'm going to be at the GP tomorrow to see if things can be moved along and if not I'll need to take it private if I can. 

 

I don't like it but if the latter happens I'll be doing all I can to sue the NHS for lack of care/negligence. For reference, this is in England and the NHS constitution states that the maximum waiting time for the start of treatment should be no longer than 18 weeks. 

 

Anyone done this or similar?

Good luck with attempting to sue the NHS for something other than treatment/surgical negligence.

[IronJambo]

39 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

Doubt you can sue. 

Why not?

[IronJambo]

2 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

Why not?

For reference, this is straight from the NHS website from their own constitution.

 

"The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter."

 

They're failing miserably with this and it could cost me my job and my home.

[Ally]

The NHS needs a major overhaul and rethink of what it's there for. None of the political parties are brave enough to admit this in their manifestos.

[davemclaren]

17 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

For reference, this is straight from the NHS website from their own constitution.

 

"The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter."

 

They're failing miserably with this and it could cost me my job and my home.

Good luck but if it was the case then you would expect lawyers lining up to facilitate it. 

[Victorian]

No legal firm would touch it mate.  These are targets,  not personal guarantees.  There's about 7 million people on waiting lists and a lot are waiting beyond the target time.  People with all kinds of personal circumstances.  Some the same.  Some worse.  Some are counting down the days of their remaining lives because of having to wait.

 

Everybody gets to sue = it gets much,  much worse.

[lost in space]

38 minutes ago, Threedoorsdown said:

The system is goosed. And whilst we are at it, all the NHS workers I know are lazy *******s.

Unfortunately, much of this is true.

Many nurses are either lazy or give the impression that they are. Not theatre nurses, to be fair.

Partly due to nurses requiring a degree, they now don't believe they should not get involved in "getting their hands dirty". They are professionals after all!!

Not all their fault - they are required to do much box ticking to satisfy management and audits. Makes it easier for some to hide in the office and not actually nurse/care.  

 

When entering a ward you will often see all of the nurses at computers or in a group having a chat (not usually work related).

The "private room" system has made things so much worse. Helps stop infections but now nurses can't see the patients so easily.

 

You will also often see nurses/NHS staff in uniform in shops etc, before and after shifts. Previously they would change at work. However new hospitals don't have showere/changing rooms. Not the staffs fault but doesn't help with infection control.

 

How many NHS staff are overweight???  Not all overweight staff are lazy but often mean they are physically not as able.

 

There are good wards and bad of course but we should forget the "angel" tag for many.

 

We can't turn back the clock but many of the older practices were better than we have today.

 

All IMO, of course.

 

[IronJambo]

1 minute ago, davemclaren said:

Good luck but if it was the case then you would expect lawyers lining up to facilitate it. 

It's right there in black and white. 

 

I think it just doesn't get challenged very often. 

[davemclaren]

1 minute ago, IronJambo said:

It's right there in black and white. 

 

I think it just doesn't get challenged very often. 

Good luck then.  Let us know how you get on.  

[IronJambo]

1 minute ago, Victorian said:

No legal firm would touch it mate.  These are targets,  not personal guarantees.  There's about 7 million people on waiting lists and a lot are waiting beyond the target time.  People with all kinds of personal circumstances.  Some the same.  Some worse.  Some are counting down the days of their remaining lives because of having to wait.

 

Everybody gets to sue = it gets much,  much worse.

Maybe I'm about to find out. 

[been here before]

See how you get adverts on the telly for legal companies offering to chase up every dodgy loan the bank sold you, the dldgy shite that car manufacturers told you or a fly spot of PPI for the millions of folk affected?

 

See how you dont get adverts from the same companies chasingbthe millions if folk affected going "waited more than 18 weeks on your NHS op..."?

[fabienleclerq]

I was off work recently and the NHS was a total shambles,  I've always defended it but it's been absolutely shite. Couldn't get an actual GP appointment had to accept a phone appointment,  told no chance of a scam due to waiting lists, physio was going to be 2 months before I seen one.

 

Had to grudgingly go private as I hate being off work. 

[AlimOzturk]

Got a mate who is literally collapsing and suffering miserably with dizzy spells. Can’t get an urgent appointment for a brain scan. 
 

I think suing the NHS should be the least you can do. Medical negligence from the UK and Scottish governments. 

[That thing you do]

7 hours ago, Ally said:

The NHS needs a major overhaul and rethink of what it's there for. None of the political parties are brave enough to admit this in their manifestos.

It does. I can see a specialist in Mexico in under 5 days normally. Yes its private but its not USA levels of cost.

 

I still think the German system should be adopted by the UK. One way or the other, there needs to be change in the NHS.

[stevie]

My wife recently had an op to repair a meniscal tear in her knee but had to wait 14 months for the procedure.Hobbling about for that length of time now means she has hip problems.The surgeon and nurses were great but getting to that point was unnaceptable.Going private would’ve sent the op done in a few weeks,quite possibly with the same surgeon doing the same op but for several thousands of pounds.

[Dazo]

10 hours ago, IronJambo said:

I just very recently seen a consultant at ENT after an 85 week wait. 

 

I was referred to plastics for an arm/hand issue in December and when chasing it up recently I was advised I probably wouldn't be seen this year. 

 

My employer won't let me work as it is and I'm now on half pay which is going to be a struggle so I'm going to be at the GP tomorrow to see if things can be moved along and if not I'll need to take it private if I can. 

 

I don't like it but if the latter happens I'll be doing all I can to sue the NHS for lack of care/negligence. For reference, this is in England and the NHS constitution states that the maximum waiting time for the start of treatment should be no longer than 18 weeks. 

 

Anyone done this or similar?

Instead of looking to blame and sue an already on its knees nhs would you not have been better looking private when you were on full pay ? Seems idiotic to wait this long, have your pay halved then to consider private. 

[Ally]

2 hours ago, That thing you do said:

It does. I can see a specialist in Mexico in under 5 days normally. Yes its private but its not USA levels of cost.

 

I still think the German system should be adopted by the UK. One way or the other, there needs to be change in the NHS.

The world was a very different place when the NHS was conceived. People lived short lives, in general. Doctors tended to stay longer term in their practices - now they seem to have a greater turnover. People, despite less access to a wide variety of food, generally had better eating habits. 

 

I would means test NHS access. Fatties, smokers, heavy drinkers and lazy buggers can all rot in their own pish or go private. Also minimum ten years of NI and tax contributions for new arrivals to the country, and their offspring, before they get FAPOD access. Put some effort in, get your rewards. Also, translators at patients' expense. Can't understand the doctor or can't explain your symptoms - your problem. It's 2024. Use Google or learn the lingo.

[JudyJudyJudy]

I’d recommend any younger people get private health insurance , too late for me now due to my various health issues . I’m guessing the premiums would be High. I did go private a couple years back due to serious health issue and it cost , but was worth it ,life saving in fact . Can’t put a price on that. 

[been here before]

23 minutes ago, JudyJudyJudy said:

I’d recommend any younger people get private health insurance , too late for me now due to my various health issues . I’m guessing the premiums would be High. I did go private a couple years back due to serious health issue and it cost , but was worth it ,life saving in fact . Can’t put a price on that. 

 

 

Of course you did.

 

No matter how mundane or obscure, no matter what it is, eery single subject, every single thing thats ever happened to everyone, James or "a friend" has done it, taken part or had it happen to them

 

[Dazo]

Nope James doesn’t have a little band of followers who hang on his every post waiting to pile in. 

[cheetah]

If my job and home were in jeopardy I would spend my money on private care rather than suing the NHS. 

[periodictabledancer]

13 hours ago, IronJambo said:

For reference, this is straight from the NHS website from their own constitution.

 

"The maximum waiting time for non-urgent, consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks from the day your appointment is booked through the NHS e-Referral Service, or when the hospital or service receives your referral letter."

 

They're failing miserably with this and it could cost me my job and my home.

The clock starts ticking from the time you see a consultant - the wait up to that point isn't counted.

For context , I was discharged from a&e 12 months ago and I've never seen a consultant nor have I been given any date. I've heard the waiting time is 17 months- then the  the clocks starts. 

I've been waiting 4 years for a max fac follow up after it took 2 years just to get a wisdom tooth removed. 

The NHS in England has been broken for years. 

Edited July 31 by periodictabledancer

[JudyJudyJudy]

1 hour ago, Dazo said:

Nope James doesn’t have a little band of followers who hang on his every post waiting to pile in. 

I assume he has jumped on me yet again. As I can’t see his postings? He’s pathetic . Obsessively creepy about me and my life . Yes he’s just one of a few 😛😂

[Des Lynam]

I’m going to go against the grain and stick up for the NHS. In the last year I’ve had my dad, sister and uncle in for very serious issues and the doctors, nurses and all staff have been fantastic. 
 

 

[The Real Maroonblood]

6 minutes ago, Des Lynam said:

I’m going to go against the grain and stick up for the NHS. In the last year I’ve had my dad, sister and uncle in for very serious issues and the doctors, nurses and all staff have been fantastic. 
 

 

Totally agree.

Had similar experiences.

 

[JudyJudyJudy]

39 minutes ago, Des Lynam said:

I’m going to go against the grain and stick up for the NHS. In the last year I’ve had my dad, sister and uncle in for very serious issues and the doctors, nurses and all staff have been fantastic. 
 

 

Yes my after care from the NHS was brilliant, after my initial private health intervention. 

[Gundermann]

16 hours ago, Threedoorsdown said:

The system is goosed. And whilst we are at it, all the NHS workers I know are lazy *******s.

 

Just as well there are still some immigrants to work themselves into a frazzle our our behalf.

 

[IronJambo]

6 hours ago, Dazo said:

Instead of looking to blame and sue an already on its knees nhs would you not have been better looking private when you were on full pay ? Seems idiotic to wait this long, have your pay halved then to consider private. 

1: The NHS app advised a wait of around 24 weeks, not 65 weeks.

2: I can't afford to do it privately.

3: Yet now I maybe can't afford not to do it privately.

 

Idiotic? Really?

[IronJambo]

2 hours ago, cheetah said:

If my job and home were in jeopardy I would spend my money on private care rather than suing the NHS. 

If I have to spend a banks money on private care it's then that I'll try and sue, if possible.

[IronJambo]

2 hours ago, periodictabledancer said:

The clock starts ticking from the time you see a consultant - the wait up to that point isn't counted.

For context , I was discharged from a&e 12 months ago and I've never seen a consultant nor have I been given any date. I've heard the waiting time is 17 months- then the  the clocks starts. 

I've been waiting 4 years for a max fac follow up after it took 2 years just to get a wisdom tooth removed. 

The NHS in England has been broken for years. 

It says in the very text you've quoted that the time period starts when your referral letter is received.

[Victorian]

3 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

1: The NHS app advised a wait of around 24 weeks, not 65 weeks.

2: I can't afford to do it privately.

3: Yet now I maybe can't afford not to do it privately.

 

Idiotic? Really?

 

I think the point being made was that it was putting all your eggs in one basket to rely on the NHS guideline / target to deliver within the time.  An individual should have been proactive enough in their own interests to realise that not everybody is being treated within the target times.  

 

Had you known,  found out,  then you might have been in a position where making a financial investment in private treatment would have been the best net result.

[IronJambo]

1 hour ago, Des Lynam said:

I’m going to go against the grain and stick up for the NHS. In the last year I’ve had my dad, sister and uncle in for very serious issues and the doctors, nurses and all staff have been fantastic. 
 

 

Completely agree. The NHS was (and continues to be) absolutely amazing for my little guy. You don't ever forget having a consultation with no less than 12 specialists in the room. Or the aftercare that's there for 15+ years, and not just for my boy.

[IronJambo]

8 minutes ago, Victorian said:

 

I think the point being made was that it was putting all your eggs in one basket to rely on the NHS guideline / target to deliver within the time.  An individual should have been proactive enough in their own interests to realise that not everybody is being treated within the target times.  

 

Had you known,  found out,  then you might have been in a position where making a financial investment in private treatment would have been the best net result.

What if I only really have one basket? 

I didn't have the cash to take my family somewhere on holiday so I didn't. In much the same way, I don't have the money for private healthcare. 

 

If the suggested wait time was even close it wouldn't even be an issue but it's in excess of 2.5x the wait. 

[Victorian]

Just now, IronJambo said:

What if I only really have one basket? 

I didn't have the cash to take my family somewhere on holiday so I didn't. In much the same way, I don't have the money for private healthcare. 

 

If the suggested wait time was even close it wouldn't even be an issue but it's in excess of 2.5x the wait. 

 

I think that was just the suggestion anyway.  It might have been possible to invest in yourself by borrowing the money.  

 

The main point is that these are target times and guidelines.  They should never be relied upon like some kind of personal guarantee.

 

Hope you get seen soon.

[Dazo]

27 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

1: The NHS app advised a wait of around 24 weeks, not 65 weeks.

2: I can't afford to do it privately.

3: Yet now I maybe can't afford not to do it privately.

 

Idiotic? Really?

You’re the one who mentioned private. If it isn’t an option why put it up as one ? Especially at this point when you’re financially worse off. 
 

Surely a loan while on full pay would have been better than half pay or losing your job ? 
 

Idiotic ? Yes that’s how you’re coming across. 

Edited July 31 by Dazo

[IronJambo]

4 minutes ago, Dazo said:

You’re the one who mentioned private. If it isn’t an option why put it up as one ? Especially at this point when you’re financially worse off. 
 

Surely a loan while on full pay would have been better than half pay or losing your job ? 
 

Idiotic ? Yes that’s how you’re coming across. 

A loan that you can't afford isn't really great idea is it. 

 

It's only a reasonable idea if/when it becomes unaffordable not to take that loan. 

[Dazo]

2 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

A loan that you can't afford isn't really great idea is it. 

 

It's only a reasonable idea if/when it becomes unaffordable not to take that loan. 

Again it was only suggested because you put private health care up there. A lot of private hospitals allow you to finance your fees with many 0% options. Personally that short term financial hardship appeals far more than half/no pay. Seems like you’re angry because you didn’t make that call at the time. I’d read up on nhs targets and guidelines before you waste any endeavour trying to find a lawyer that will sue the nhs for your circumstances. 

[davemclaren]

Can I Sue The NHS For Waiting Times?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually no. While the NHS is an essential service, waiting times for appointments, surgeries, and consultations have soared in recent years.

However, these waiting times are rarely due to poor clinical decisions. Because of this, you will likely be unable to sue the NHS for waiting times. The only exception to this would be if an administrator misread an urgent referral, causing a time-sensitive treatment, such as a cancer treatment, to be largely delayed.

Our team are here to help. Get in touch to find out if you can claim delayed diagnosis compensation.

[IronJambo]

1 minute ago, Dazo said:

Again it was only suggested because you put private health care up there. A lot of private hospitals allow you to finance your fees with many 0% options. Personally that short term financial hardship appeals far more than half/no pay. Seems like you’re angry because you didn’t make that call at the time. I’d read up on nhs targets and guidelines before you waste any endeavour trying to find a lawyer that will sue the nhs for your circumstances. 

I'm not angry about anything at all. 

Reading your posts you seem to have filled in the blanks you have with some assumptions and come across across quite aggressive with your posts. 

Whilst it's not great, half pay isn't going to put me on the street. Which makes now the time to have to bite the bullet and rack up debt. 

 

I'll send you a message asking for your legal advice when it comes to it.

[IronJambo]

6 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

Can I Sue The NHS For Waiting Times?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually no. While the NHS is an essential service, waiting times for appointments, surgeries, and consultations have soared in recent years.

However, these waiting times are rarely due to poor clinical decisions. Because of this, you will likely be unable to sue the NHS for waiting times. The only exception to this would be if an administrator misread an urgent referral, causing a time-sensitive treatment, such as a cancer treatment, to be largely delayed.

Our team are here to help. Get in touch to find out if you can claim delayed diagnosis compensation.

Thanks Dave. I've read this but I don't think companies get to decide what you can and can't sue them for. 

[been here before]

So why not just go ahead and sue them? You've been told it wont work' and why, but you're not wanting to hear that.

 

Let us know how you get on.

Edited July 31 by been here before

[Sooperstar]

16 hours ago, lost in space said:

Unfortunately, much of this is true.

Many nurses are either lazy or give the impression that they are. Not theatre nurses, to be fair.

Partly due to nurses requiring a degree, they now don't believe they should not get involved in "getting their hands dirty". They are professionals after all!!

Not all their fault - they are required to do much box ticking to satisfy management and audits. Makes it easier for some to hide in the office and not actually nurse/care.  

 

When entering a ward you will often see all of the nurses at computers or in a group having a chat (not usually work related).

The "private room" system has made things so much worse. Helps stop infections but now nurses can't see the patients so easily.

 

You will also often see nurses/NHS staff in uniform in shops etc, before and after shifts. Previously they would change at work. However new hospitals don't have showere/changing rooms. Not the staffs fault but doesn't help with infection control.

 

How many NHS staff are overweight???  Not all overweight staff are lazy but often mean they are physically not as able.

 

There are good wards and bad of course but we should forget the "angel" tag for many.

 

We can't turn back the clock but many of the older practices were better than we have today.

 

All IMO, of course.

 

😂 This is wild stuff.

[SE16 3LN]

Apart from Ambulance and A&E waiting times, my experiences of the NHs have been absolutely first class. 7 Years ago a brilliant consultant at my chest clinic saved my life through a swift and decisive intervention. He still insists on seeing me twice a year. We've got to fight for the NHS.

[John Findlay]

22 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

Thanks Dave. I've read this but I don't think companies get to decide what you can and can't sue them for. 

Fill your boots. Get your brief and go for it.

[davemclaren]

23 minutes ago, IronJambo said:

Thanks Dave. I've read this but I don't think companies get to decide what you can and can't sue them for. 

That was from a lawyers site.  

[IronJambo]

5 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

That was from a lawyers site.  

👍