How long do I have to wait for an appointment???

[CAJ1]

I had a blood test taken at hospital for allergies in penicillin, keflex and mivacurium last June. I had to wait more than 6 months for this appointment and then waited for more than 3 hours that day to be seen as the clinic was running late. They didn't even have my notes from another hospital which recorded my allergic reation to mivacurium during an operation - which they said they would obtain when I had my consultation appointment. I had no response for months and went to my GP who said they had been sent a letter to say I needed skin patch testing. I phoned the hospital at the end of last year and was told to expect an appointment in the new year. I just phoned them and was told they hope for my appointment to be within this year but might not be until next year!!! When I explained I had been told to expect an appointment in the new year, they just said that things change. What do I do now? I personally think its ridiculous to wait this amount of time for an appointment, allbeit its not the most important of things but if I need an op or need to take medicine I would like to know what it is I am allergic to so I can avoid it. My symptoms last time were not nice at all!

Any advice or opinions on the matter appreciated!

[sqad617]

Totally unacceptable standard of health care.

What can you do...NOTHING.

[CAJ1]

Sounds about right sqad lol! Mind you, if I was unemployed and didn't pay my taxes etc, they might see me faster!

[sqad617]

caji....just had a thought......I cannot think of ANY blood tests that would identify antibiotic allergies (hypersensitivities.)

Patch Tests...yes.

[CAJ1]

They probably haven't a clue what they're doing lol!

They gave me a blood test to see if I was allergic to penicillin and came back with the conclusion I must be allergic to something in penicillin or in the coating? So were going to do skin patch testing. I don't really know - I don't get any clear communication from them! I don't know what they're doing with the mivacurium allergy?

[chrisrob]

Unfortunately, you just have to keep phoning and nagging.
It took me two years to eventually have a 90 minute operation that has ended 15 years of reflux misery.

[sqad617]

chrisrob....problem is simple.....targets...to get down the length of waiting lists.

Before targets. one two hour operation followed by 5 half hour operations.

After targets............9 half hour operations.

Easy.

[CAJ1]

I know that you can get food allergy tests done at chemists - can you get drug allergy tests/skin patch tests done like this too or does it have to be in a hospital?