Pendeen Surgery
PP
Philip P. 10 months ago • From Google
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My partner has been experiencing chest discomfort and respiratory difficulties for more than six weeks. She has required ambulance transport to the local hospital on two separate occasions due to these symptoms. The hospital has identified a cardiac-related condition. She has visited the practice on two occasions requesting a referral to the specialist cardiac clinic at the regional hospital. The initial referral was submitted as a routine case, which she only discovered upon contacting the specialist department directly. Recognising that her condition was worsening, she requested an urgent appointment at the practice to arrange a priority referral. A second referral was subsequently organised, and she received notification on 25 July indicating she would receive an appointment with a cardiac specialist. Given her previous experience of checking the status of her first referral, she again contacted the specialist department and found no record of this second referral. The second referral had been categorised as a rapid access referral, which typically results in appointments within two weeks, despite her symptoms having persisted for six weeks already. When I contacted the referrals department at the practice today, I was informed the rapid access referral had been sent. However, I also contacted the specialist cardiac department twice today, and they confirmed they had not received any rapid referral. I attempted to speak with the referrals department again but was told the staff member was unavailable due to onsite training. I requested to speak with the practice management, but was advised they were away. A receptionist indicated the referrals staff would contact me the following day. While still on the call, I was asking about the expected time for contact when the call was terminated abruptly. Given my partner's cardiac condition, the way this situation has been managed is concerning. There remains uncertainty about whether the rapid referral was actually sent by the practice or received by the specialist department. Meanwhile, my partner continues to struggle with breathing difficulties and chest pain while waiting for this matter to be resolved.
Rachel W.