Q for the Brit-shifters...

[WestCoastCdnGrl]

Hi!

I was just wondering what the process is in getting an NHS doc to sign off on my Canadian issued OSA diagnosis? I'm new-ish to the UK and am wanting to eventually get replacement parts or a new machine when Darth finally packs it in. The local ResMed dealer here in London won't accept the diagnosis letter I got in Vancouver but suggested that perhaps they might accept a letter from an NHS doc. Will I need to go through a sleep study or do you think that they'd be fine with contacting my respirologist in Vancouver for a copy of my SpO2 results (my sats dropped to 76% the night I was tested in late 2010).

I am not looking for the local NHS Trust to fund a new machine for me (it would be nice if they would fund one, but if there's no money in the budget there's no money in the budget and we'd have to look at going via private insurance or self funding a new machine), I just want to have a UK diagnosis down on paper here in the UK so that if the need arises, I can source parts locally instead of ordering through our hosts and waiting for the package to clear customs (I have a 'script on file here from when I lived in Canada)... I also realise that getting a diagnosis may have implications with the DVLA, but since I've only recently qualified to exchange my Canadian license for a UK license (I've been here roughly 6.5 months) and haven't sent in the paperwork, it's not a big deal to me just yet.

Anyway, I'd be grateful for any guidance you lovely people can give me!

Cheers!

K

[stillo]

Hi

If you have been in the UK 6.5 Months and you intend to stay here why can you not have NHS treatment everybody else seems to do from all other walks of life, go see your Gp and tell them you need a sleep study as you have a sleep disorder get free cpap and accessories for as long as you are having treatment, getting a letter from the Hospital Dr may be tricky if you have not been diagnosed by them i have just been through this and i was born here i still needed a definite diagnosis before my respiratory therapist would issue me with a letter to enable me to buy another machine, i have two now one from NHS and one privately.

If you have been issued with an NHS number you are entitled to treatment simple as that if you haven't go and get one ASAP i wish you luck

Stillo

[stillo]

Hi

Looks like you may have to live here for 12 Months then you can get free treatment, the info below is from the citizens advice

You can get free NHS hospital treatment if you are lawfully entitled to be in the UK and usually live here. This is called being ordinarily resident.

Some people from abroad who are not ordinarily resident in the UK can receive all NHS hospital treatment free of charge. If you are entitled to free NHS hospital treatment, family members including your spouse, civil partner and dependent children will also be able to get free treatment, but only if they are lawfully allowed to live in the UK. In many cases, they must also be living with you throughout your stay to qualify.

You can receive free NHS hospital treatment if you:-

have been living legally in the UK for at least 12 months when you start treatment, and did not come to the UK for private medical treatment. Temporary absences from the UK of up to three months (in England, up to 182 days) are ignored

My advice is wait 5.5 months if you can then get the treatment you deserve

Stillo