hospital referrals

I am so annoyed i have to tell someone......

For those who remember or dont my son Ben was born with Erbs Paulsy to the right arm, at birth he couldnt move it from the elbow down. Then at 2 weeks old the hospital realised that this had also affected his diaphram leaving him with breathing problems (the nerve that was damaged controlls both things - strange i know) He ended up having major surgery to his dighram at 7 weeks old and being ventulated for 5 days as his lungs collapsed. However i have been told of a professor in Leeds who specialises in this condition and i have spoken to his secretary and they want to see him but need a referral from his consultant cos its out of country (wales to england). I asked Bens consultant and he refused and said he is doing a good enough job and dosent want to send out of area cos of politics and that Ben has made a full recovery. I took Ben to physio last week who said that there is a delay in his right arm towards the left and if not improved by 6 months woud probably stay like this. Also the consultant we see for breathing says he will only have 90% use of his right lung cos of it. How can this be a full recovery? I then asked my gp who wont go behind the consultants back... i only want whats best for Ben and the best person to see him, even if he says things are improving and come back in 12 months.

I wouldnt mind but the hospital who are refusing this are the cause of this as this injury happens in a birth trauma.

Grrrrrr feel like i constantly hit brick walls.

Sorry to rant on just wanted to tell someone or people ha ha

Jodie and Ben 5 months tomorrow

I would say pals too

They are impartial and very helpful. That consultant needs to get over his ego...it's bigger than his wage packet and thats saying something! Good luck sweetie, let us know how you get on x x x

Thank you

Thank you to all your replys. To keep you updated, i managed to get a referral eventually from his community mid wife (what a god send). We have an appointment to see the specialist on the 13th Oct so fingers crossed for that. I have placed a formal complaint about the hospital regarding this appointment and regarding the way things were treated in pregnancy and Bens birth that caused him this problem. So its all in the hands of Bens solicitor - feels strange saying that. How scarey.

Thanks for your help and support

Jodie and a very tired Ben xx

Go straight

to PALS!!!

You can lodge a formal complaint through them who will past it onto the head of the department and the heads of the hospital.

They cannot deny you a request for a second opinion or further medical care that is obviously needed.

Sounds to me like this consultant has a chip on his shoulder.

Good luk hun! Let us know how you get on

Hey jodie,

just want to agree with mrsv really, don't leave it there put a complaint in and go over the consultants head, sounds like a man with a god complex to me and you have every right to push for the best care for Ben. Am sure you're perfectly capable but if you want any help with the letter or anything (know stuff like that freaks some people out) just let me know, am quite good at letters of complaint if I do say so myself, hmmm not sure what that says about me actually! Can only imagine how angry you must be, in your shoes I'm afraid the consultants attitude would only make me more determined to fight and at least you'll feel you're doing something instead of that awful powerless feeling when you've hit a brick wall. PM me anytime if I can help at all hun and don't give up, Ben deserves the best and if you make enough fuss they'll have no choice but to refer him. Good luck and keep us informed,

love and hugs to you both,
Clare and Kaitlyn xxxx

Silly.....

Hiya hun,
Well I'm sorry 2 say but I think hospitals just see everyone as a number n don't take matters like they should do in sum cases.
Ur little one deserves the help n support from hospitals not 2 b turned away. Glad 2 hear he is doin ok, but like u say how can they justify saying hes made a full recovery when u know otherwise.
Keep at it hun, ur doin a good job, don't let them fob u off!
All the best n hugs 2 Ben.
mummyand2. xx