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Gratitude · Mar 27, 2011, 01:48 AM

I sustained a back injury last November and was referred by my GP's surgery for physiotherapy. I had only two sessions of physio, but after going on a yoga break, found that the pain had gone, told the physiotherapist and he discharged me. However, the back pain has returned, five months later, and is affecting my range of movement. I would have thought it would go without saying that I needed further treatment, but had a real struggle trying to persuade the female head of my GP practice to re-refer me. This is not the first time she has been resistant about referring me for specialist treatment. It got to the point where I was considering changing surgeries recently, it became so frustrating; she's just difficult to persuade and to deal with. Has anyone else had a similar experience with their GP and does anyone know why this might happen? I live in the UK and wonder if the recent cuts in NHS budgets mean that doctors are having to be cautious about referrals, due to meeting financial targets.
I'd be grateful for any feedback people can give me. Thank you.

Fr_Chuck · Mar 27, 2011, 06:32 AM

Also of course you had a chance to go, but decided not to, and went to other treatment instead. So I guess they may assume you may do the same now?

So why not go for yoga instead like you did last time

Gratitude · Mar 27, 2011, 07:06 AM

I didn't go for other treatment instead, I just happened to go on a yoga break at Xmas, that's all - and it was in Devon, about 200 miles from where I live, so going back to the same place isn't an option! I think you've missed the point, to be honest. If you have a back injury - or any kind of injury for that matter - your doctor has a duty of care to provide appropriate treatment, and you have a right as a UK citizen to free treatment under the NHS; that's why it was set up over 60 years ago! I can't afford to pay for alternative therapies at the moment, and in any case shouldn't have to - there's a perfectly good physiotherapy unit at my local hospital. Thanks for the feeback, but I think we're talking at cross-purposes. :)

JudyKayTee · Mar 27, 2011, 10:24 AM

Gratitude does not find this helpful : It's a complete misunderstanding of what I said
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Please read how the site works. FrChuck's answer was NOT incorrect. You may not like it but it is his opinion.

Why won't your GP refer you to a Specialist? Because she doesn't think you need one.