In April I was put on the list for deep brain stimulation at Addenbrookes hospital. Back then the waiting time for the surgery was 12 months. I’m hoping to get an update in the next few days.
Is there anyone else on the NHS list for DBS, and what is your waiting time please?
Thanks
Wag
I have been on the waiting list for two and a half years and was told that it may take another 2 years or more!. We saw the.neurosurgeon back in May for a private consultation and he informed us that I was actually ready to have a DBS surgery 5 years ago. We requested a quote to self fund and whilst not surprised at the high amount we decided to go ahead. However the hospital then came back a few weeks later to inform me that the initial quote was two months old and it was now almost 20% higher;
We have been advised by one of consultant to be vocal about the waiting as that was the only way to bump up your name on the list. That is exactly what we have done and complained to PALs. They are still dealing with the issues. The Trust’s explanation for the long delays was of course quite understandable ( lack of staff,Covid) but they were unable to tell me where I was on the list.
SO my current position is that I have to decide to either use a chunk of my savings to have the op privately, to go abroad and take a gamble or stick it out in the hope that I will get my slot within two years and this will also depend on whether my condition still qualify me for surgery
Jinx that sounds terrible! Which hospital are you being seen by? Addenbrookes in Cambridge contacted me in September last year to confirm my op would be in October. I too looked at going private and was stunned by the prices and the wait for just a consultation! I am glad I waited as my surgery has been a complete success. The staff at Addenbrookes are brilliant. Are you able to choose a hospital as that may be a next move.