I'm being referred to Queens Square, hopefully to see Manjit Matharu. I know it is a long shot, but I'm wondering if anyone has a rough idea of wait times?
I have no idea how long the wait time is for Dr Matharu, it varies from one consultant to another - it could be weeks or months. I'm sorry I can't be more specific than that, but I can tell you that Dr Matharu is spot on for CH, so you will be in good hands. Good luck and let us know when your appointment is.
I saw Dr Matharu recently. He is a truly fantastic and very sympathetic doctor with excellent knowledge of cluster headaches.
My GP originally refered me to the NHNN, but the NHS wait was 4 months (for any doctor). Instead, I paid £300 privately to see Dr Matharu, with a wait of about 10 days for the earliest appointment. He diagnosed me, ordered oxygen (through the NHS) and wrote a letter to my GP with the diagnosis - so I can go back to my GP if I need to without having to pay more privately. If you can afford to, he is a great doctor to see.
He told me that his current NHS waiting list is over a year. Therefore, GPs do not usually refer to him. He did suggest however that if I asked for a direct referral that it would still be a good idea in the long-term (given that CH is a long-term issue) and then I could see a non-specialist neurologist in the meantime.
Hi Andrew
I have no idea how long the wait time is for Dr Matharu, it varies from one consultant to another - it could be weeks or months. I'm sorry I can't be more specific than that, but I can tell you that Dr Matharu is spot on for CH, so you will be in good hands. Good luck and let us know when your appointment is.
Val.
Maybe a bit late, but in case it is still useful:
I saw Dr Matharu recently. He is a truly fantastic and very sympathetic doctor with excellent knowledge of cluster headaches.
My GP originally refered me to the NHNN, but the NHS wait was 4 months (for any doctor). Instead, I paid £300 privately to see Dr Matharu, with a wait of about 10 days for the earliest appointment. He diagnosed me, ordered oxygen (through the NHS) and wrote a letter to my GP with the diagnosis - so I can go back to my GP if I need to without having to pay more privately. If you can afford to, he is a great doctor to see.
He told me that his current NHS waiting list is over a year. Therefore, GPs do not usually refer to him. He did suggest however that if I asked for a direct referral that it would still be a good idea in the long-term (given that CH is a long-term issue) and then I could see a non-specialist neurologist in the meantime.
I hope that helps!
Daniel - Episodic CH