Published on 12, July, 2020
So several months after see my GP and filling out all the paper work I finally get a response. I'm told that I have been accepted for a referral, but this will be "at least 20 months". I think I would have gone insane before then. Then Covid hits, so 20 months for a face to face is more like 3 years. Then I hear about Healios on here. So I ask my GP to be referred there instead. Again, fill out the forms! Then yesterday my GP told me that Berkshire NHS don't refer adults to the service!
I'm now 45, this whole thing is hard enough as it is, and like a lot of people on here, I have been pushed around the system for 20 years. Told I have anxiety, let's treat that, you have depression, let's treat treat. You finally end up with something that feels real and I can relate to and I have to wait 3 years to even find out if it's true this time.
I'm so upset, I really don't know what to do. Not only does the decision feel like age discrimination, but it makes me feel so unimportant in the world it's hard not to think "what's the point"
Well! For some reason and totally out of the blue my GP has made a U-turn and I have received a confirmation letter to say I have been referred to Healios after all. I’m actually quite looking forward to it at the moment. Thanks to everyone for their input.
Hi The Riddler, I am pleased for you. Just out of interest, what do you think made your GP do a U turn?
Hi, thanks. I really can’t say for sure. Our surgery has an on-line referral request form. I’d sent one of them with my request for Healios. That was rejected so I found out about some other places who accept NHS referrals. One of them sent me a “Patients Choice” form (who knew thar exists) so I sent a request for the new service, but than got referred to Healios. All of that might be a coincidence. It could be that the surgery had it’s monthly meeting and they changed their mind.
Yes on the waiting list now.