Question for UK members

What is the process in the UK for referral out to an ablation specialist when the skills are unavailable at the center where you normally go? I am asking for a relatively young man that failed the first VT ablation and it is apparent that the center he goes to will not have the skills to handle his case. There is a high probability that he needs to have epicardial mapping and ablation for cure in addition to endocardial ablation. There is only a small group of specialists in the UK that have the skills.

If this helps, my UK ablation was 6 yrs ago, at that time I was not confident in a local referral and because of the advice given on this forum I informed my GP that I wished to be referred to London for the expertise - in my case Prof Richard Schilling - this was accepted, and was the best thing I've ever done. As far as I am aware there has not been any change in the NHS referral system.

Kaytee

Kaytee, Thanks for the reply. Did you specifically asked for a referral to Dr. Schilling or did you only request London centers? Thanks in advance for the clarification.

Generally in the UK under the NHS system- which applies to the vast majority of the population as relatively few have private health insurance - the patient is not involved in the choice of specialist as an individual - the initial referral to a specialist - who will be hospital based - is via the patients local doctor (GP) . The UK system is universal- and the same for all -and free at the point of use . As such most patients simply trust that the specialist that they are referred to will either be suitably competent to deal with their case or if required -and does not feel that is within their area of specific expertise then will refer the matter to a suitably qualified and experienced colleague. However the patient personally is not usually offered a choice of specialist consultants and simply in the vast majority of cases "trusts" the consultant and that the system will deliver the right care and expertise for their needs

I did indeed make a specific request to be referred to Prof Schilling and his team at St Barts, heeding the advice of this great forum always to seek the most experienced electrophysiologist. I supplied my GP with all the contact details and information I could find (on the web) about Prof Schilling and cited both personal and factual reasons; important not to make him feel he was being 'overruled' !

Kaytee

I have always gotten health ins. where I am able to choose my doctor, it would be awful if I had to go to someone who the Gov. wants me to see. When I get my car repaired, I choose who does the work, same with anything that I need repaired. The most important thing we have is our bodies why should I leave that up to some gov. official? Nothing is free, you pay for it one way or another

L