Nato Priority System for Referals

[MattBombHead]

Does anyone know if the NATO Priority System actually exists? And is it actually in use anywhere?

Background to the question is that whilst i was on a recent course, i was recently found to have a potentially serious medical problem, and was referred to a specialist. On returning to my parent unit, and speaking with the SMO, i was told that because i am 'on notice' to go OOA (FI), i would be refered under the NATO Priority System as 'P2', (meaning i HAD to be seen within 2 weeks of initial referal).

3 weeks later, when i'd heard nothing from either Med Ctr or the hospital in question, i called my 'friendly' Med Ctr, and was told that the hospital were denying all knowledge of this system, and i would have to be seen following a (reasonably) lengthy wait.

Now, i don't really have too much of a problem with the wait, apart from the fact that until i'm signed up 'fit' i can't carry out any of the 3-4 months PET i need to do prior to deploying in December, which will more than likely result in me getting put back another 4 months, and some unlucky soul getting brought forward at short notice.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[rottonapple]

This is a agreement for reciprical treatment at military treatmet facilities (mainly american)

As we don't have any facilities left its the old NHS waiting list for you :PDT_Xtremez_08:

[monobrow]

As we don't have and facilities left its the old NHS waiting list for you :PDT_Xtremez_08:

I thought the MDHU based around the country would have seen to this though... After all, when we wrote to MP's about medical care for the forces....

(goes to get the reply from Derek Twigg..... Perpare for an excerpt....)

The decsision to close military hospitals was, therefore taken over a decade ago, after it had become clear that our existing military hospitals did not have a sufficient patient volume or range of cases to develop and maintain the skills of our medical personnel. This would, over time, impact upon the level of care we could have been able to provide to our military patients. To meet this training need we have established Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHUs) within NHS hospitals at Derriford, Frimley Park, Peterborough, Portsmouth, Northallerton and the Royal Center for Defence Medicine (RDCM) at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham.

The letter sent off was mainly about closing military hospitals and the treatment of military personnel wounded on ops. However, according to Derek Twigg, we still have military only units based within NHS hospitals, so if you were referred to them, they should have sorted you out.

[MattBombHead]

Mono,

i was initailly refered to RCDM Sellyoak (as i was on TMT1 at the time), but on arrival back at the 'Swamp Ghetto' they tried to get me moved to MDHU PeteBogHorror, again, same reply - "its the waiting list for you son":PDT_Xtremez_32:

Seems that yet again, we're getting shafted :PDT_Xtremez_06:

[monobrow]

Mate, I've had nothing but joy from the MDHU in the swamps, but then it was a quick check, and they phoned through that morning, MT took me, and was seen by lunchtime.

However I know of someone who got redundancy, and needed a specialist appointment before discharge, and because they f*cked up and lost his docs, he was very nearly not discharged! (although he did say to the med center, you sign it, or I'll sign it M. Mouse) The small miracle came when they discovered his docs when he was on terminal leave closer to Selly Oak, but because he was referred to P'boro he had to travel, put claims on JPA and spent overnight here for a check-up. Obviously he was over the moon!

[penfold93]

As said previously the P system is reciprocal with other military medical systems and really doesnt appy to the UK the P system used in an aeromed sense determines the priority a patient gets repatriated. As far as I am aware there is no cue jumping unless your SMO speaks directly to the specialist concerned and that specialist is military. He can then explain the situation or it may need to be addressed further up the food chain. If you can wait until monday I will speak to 'my contacts' and get you a definative answer as to what to do next.

[MattBombHead]

Fair enough Penfold, it seems me that the SMO has got his wires crossed.

The way it was explained to me is that as soon as you are put on DWR, and need to be seen by a specialist, you are put on the Nato Priority System. The example used was that if i was due to leave for my DWR in under 2 weeks, and could not go, for a medical reason, the specialist would have to see me within 24 hrs ( Cat P1) But because of the length of time until i go away, i was classed as P2... Obviousley, this does not appear to be the case.

IMHO, the SMO in question needs to check things out on here, before telling people things that don't appear to be true. :PDT_Xtremez_32:

Never the less, thanks for all the help guys :PDT_Xtremez_30:

[penfold93]

Just spoken with my collegues and as far as we know there is no such system with regards referrals in the UK. There is a fast trak system which usually means you go private.

Hope this helps anymore questions then let me know.

[wgaf]

Just spoken with my collegues and as far as we know there is no such system with regards referrals in the UK. There is a fast trak system which usually means you go private.

Hope this helps anymore questions then let me know.
There is a fast trak system for sportsmen/women who suffered an injury whilst representing the RAF/combined forces.

[penfold93]

Slightly cynical Wgaf but it should apply to all service personnel but basically if there are loads of people who can do your job then someone else gets pinged and its the NHS for you but if you are v. specialised then it could be BUPA for you. Good Luck

[wgaf]

Slightly cynical Wgaf but it should apply to all service personnel but basically if there are loads of people who can do your job then someone else gets pinged and its the NHS for you but if you are v. specialised then it could be BUPA for you. Good Luck
Not cynical at all Penfold, the system is there, I've used it to my advantage in the past.

[A4G1Z1]

The system in which the SMO was referring to was that of the fast track initiative, this is NOT soley for the use of sportsmen and women. Basically it depends if you are on a Role 1(R1) priority trade ( the det would fall apart wiithout you role) then you may be fast tracked. Unfortunately in most cases the NHS cannot cope with the timescales and more often than not the appointment is too late, however from a few cases that i know of many people have had the waiting time reduced from 18 weeks to 3... Not a lot of help, but double check with your PSF to see if you are R1 or not.

[penfold93]

Not prying but your deployment will be obviously condition dependant. Remember just could you have had an op thats not the end of it. There may be follow up treatment/physio. Or if it is a medical problem then it may require treatment that is not available OOA or if you have a problem it may not be possible to manage it in theatre.

I know there is a lot of stigma attached to being downgraded but it is not something you would should risk your career over.

Obviously dont know the problem so cannot give specifics but bear this in mind before rushing to get seen. Better to miss this one than get a permanent down grading and career endex.

Drop me a PM if you want to know anything specific.

Good Luck Mate

[MattBombHead]

Thanks once again for all your help guys.

Just spoken with PMA (after they tried 'dicking' me for more PET before i'm signed up fit) and my DWR has been slipped, and also i've been moved slots, so timescales are no longer an issue.