Posted 10/29/2015 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
The usual point of contact is the IBD nurse, yeah. But you can also contact the GI's secretary, like Duffle suggested.
To be honest, I'm a bit out of my depth here. Your current team sound crap, quite frankly. I'm not sure whether it's worth pushing them for better treatment or whether to seek a referral to another hospital (which is within your rights to do). If you go the former route, PALS may be able to advise you - or maybe just complaining to your GP or IBD nurse will be enough. If you go the latter route, you are taking a gamble, unless you can somehow find out the reputation of your GI beforehand - there's no easy way of doing that in the UK. I lucked out on finally getting a decent GI, but it was pure luck. I dread him leaving, to be honest.
I've just thought of something which may help. Consultants have weekly clinics, e.g. my colorectal surgeon has one on Thursday afternoons. I know as long as I get a Thursday pm appointment, I'll see her and not one of her lackeys. Find out when your GI and surgeon have their clinics, then make sure you get an appointment for one of those days. The receptionists in the GI department should know when the clinics are.
A&E should be reserved only for emergencies or urgent situations. You need to be clear with your IBD nurse that you have tried A&E several times, it hasn't worked, and you want an urgent appointment with your GI and your surgeon. If you get nowhere after that, consider getting in contact with PALS (google it) or changing hospital.
Sorry if that reply was a bit rambly - it's late and I should have gone to bed half an hour ago :-/