Breast referral was downgraded by hospital

Went to GP at start of October I felt a lump in breast

GP wasn’t convinced it was a lump she said it felt more fiborous but for my peace of mind said she would refer me as urgent…I am in N Ireland so we have red flag, urgent and routine referrals

haven’t heard anything from hospital so chased it up last week and I have been down graded by the consultant who triaged to routine which is a 4-7 month wait I asked what my GP referal said and was told she had written:

Left breast Change in tissue
Pain sensation in breast
Felt lump thinks new change no puckering no change no dimpling
Right side no lumps no lympho pathy
no definite lumps (I don’t know if she meant this about right or left side)

I thought any breast changes over 30 (I am 38) would be red flag

I am so sorry you are in this situation. If the NHS won’t refer you as urgent I would contact PALS at the hospital and quote NICE guidelines.
I hope you are see soon.

Possibly they have taken their cue from what the GP has written - they have not made it sound urgent . You could offer to take a cancellation - the NHS is obliged to try to fill any cancellations that they get but in order to be considered for a cancellation they may ask you to go back to your GP as if your GP flags it as urgent that makes you eligible for a cancellation space ( found this out when my partner was waiting for investigation ) . If you see your GP again they may be able to re refer as urgent anyway . A frustrating process and worrying for you . Xx

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