After seven of my NHS neurology referrals were cancelled due to circumstances beyond the neurology departments control I opted to go private after discussing my situation with my GP.
I paid £200 for the private appointment the consultants manners were great, he spent about 50 minutes with me only to note down www.neurosymptoms.org on an envelope and said here this is what is wrong with you. I did not have a supporting referral by my GP who made the suggestion to the consultant that my symptoms were of psychological nature. The consultant did not have any notes at all or what tests had been done and what conditions had been ruled out.
Pros about the private appointment got my appointment within six weeks, consultant was very polite with good manners.
Cons about the private appointment no notes or records on what tests had been done and what conditions were ruled and a disappointing referral letter from the GP.
My second referral was on the NHS quick first appointment which was a surprise diagnosed with spasticity put on some meds and discharged. I was advised by the neuro to ask my gp to refer to her again if symptoms persisted. Had to be referred back unfortunately the neurologist claims she never recieved the letter.
Pros about the NHS referral good manners spent about fourty minutes with me did some tests and diagnosed spasticity and put on meds.
Cons despite having my file present on the desk the neuro did not bother going through the notes to see what conditions had been diagnosed and ruled out. GPs request for another appointment apparently did not reach her.
My third referral on the NHS got my appointment fairly quickly, the most kind and caring neurologist I have ever met. Due to the travelling involved I decided to be referred back to the local neuro. The third neurologist said he would make sure she gets my letter and I recieve an appointment with her.
This neurologist was the best and if anyone is interested I saw him at Salford Royal, there were no cons about this appointment.
My fourth referral back to second neurologist long wait as she is on vacation I finally get my appointment but my GP had written to the neurology department for advice from the neurologist I had seen privately. (Slightly of topic now I will come back to this in a moment He writes back to my GP to have me admitted as my symptom at that time were indicative of multiple sclerosis and because he was not primarily involved in my care he refused to make a firm diagnosis and recommend any treatment and did ask my GP to let him take over my care and have me admitted to neurology. This was never mentioned to me)
I see the neurologist again who ordered some tests and once results were back I was discharged because apparently I had failed to attend the appointments booked as an inpatient which resulted me in chasing up on stuff and she wrote to me apologising and that a follow up appointment would be issued which never did arrive.
Pros none
Cons 100%
Fifth referral on the NHS very fast appointment again no supportive letter from my GP no relevant information provided. Consultant had good manners was seen on time appointment only lasted 10 minutes.
Pros Good manners looked promising.
Cons Not enough time spent discussing symptoms. Was fooled into having a lumbar puncture with a promise of a follow up appointment even if the LP was normal. No follow up very poor service.
Sixth referral was a private one and before that was arranged I decided to get my test results ready and put them in my pocket. I asked to be referred back again to the same neuro who pointed me towards neurosymptoms.org. I had some hope because I had come across his letter in my medical records.
Pros got my appointment fast.
Cons as the neurologist came out and called me he mutters “you again, there is nothing wrong with you why have you come back to see me?” No tests done just questioned me like I was a criminal and why I didn’t agree with his diagnosis.
Ten minutes into the appointment I’d had enough and told him you know what I’m going home but before I go here are some test results and letters I’d like you to read them before I walkout of here. He read them face went red and he said something is going on. I said to him I don’t care no more I’m going home. He asked me to sit and talk and I told him if it wasn’t for his attitude maybe I’d sit and discuss things but I’ve got better things to do I walked out on him and told him don’t expect any payment from me.
The consultant had no manners and decided to interrogate me. Absoultely pathetic appointment.
I would say if you are going to go private make sure you have a supportive letter and if possible take some copies of results down and what conditions you have had ruled out. My best experience was on the NHS with a neuro based at salford royal but due to the travelling back and forth I decided to switch back to the local one.
If you can get someone to accompany you to the appointment that will be a plus and make sure they don’t wait outside and they are present with you for your consultation. I did take someone with me when I was conned into having a lumbar puncture but the person decided to wait outside and I was okay with it.
Hope the above is helpful information which you can take into consideration before deciding whether you want a private referral or one on the nhs.
Good luck which ever option you take.