Hi guys, got a request here Let me briefly explain the situation: for the past six+ years I have attempted to get recognition, examinations and treatment for my intersexuality condition at Dutch hospitals, without any bit of success. Two German private clinics concluded based on MRI scans that I am a hermaphrodite, but they were not equipped to do anything beyond diagnosing. At this point I'm trying to go to the Middlesex clinic in London, UK, as they specialize in intersex conditions: http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/OurServices/ServiceA-Z/WH/GYNAE/DSD/Pages/Home.aspx I have previous tried to send an email that way (twice), but didn't get any answer. A few days ago I talked with my insurance company and they said that they would be willing to pay for any medical costs if I can show them that it's more beneficial if I get examined and treated there in the UK than if I stay in the Netherlands (where I have no significant outlook on getting my situation resolved). To do so I need to also get some hard facts (kind of examinations/treatment, costs) from this Middlesex clinic if I want to make my case successfully. I currently do not have access to anything but a prepaid phone, so calling to the UK would a very expensive undertaking. What I wanted to ask is whether there is anyone here or maybe someone you know who might be willing to contact the Middlesex clinic on my behalf? I can provide any required information. There's more detailed information on my case on my site: www.mayaposch.com Thanks in advance and sorry for intruding like this
Have you considered using Skype? Their use of geo-gateways means you will not pay much more than for a local call.
I haven't used Skype for actual phonecalls yet, so I'm totally unaware of how to use it for that purpose Could you point me to something explaining the procedure? In other news, I sent off a couple of emails to people associated with the Middlesex clinic. I'll see next week who responds first
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/features/allfeatures/call-phones-and-mobiles/ http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/prices/pay-monthly#GB this should have most/all the information you need. Basically you buy credit or an unlimited calling plan (which can be to a specific country or worldwide). Good Luck!!
Write to them. If an insurance company is involved they'll want something in writing anyway, and it's always helpful with a complex situation to have these things written down. A voice call easily loses details.
Good point At this stage I'm just trying to establish communications as they ignored a previous email (sent last year). I like it when people reply
Bah.. I contacted three people there by email two days ago and haven't heard anything yet I'm not even sure whether I need to get a referral from a doctor here at this point... I'm getting so confused =/ All I want to know is whether they can and want to help me there plus some details to convince my insurance company Would anyone here perhaps mind terribly to call them this week for information?
If you need anything delivered I literally live 2 minutes from UCLH so can take stuff over for you. UCLH are either amazingly prompt or dead slow, guess you've got the slow lot this time.
I could send you a letter via email, I guess Not sure who to address it to... or maybe you could ask there for some information (leaflet)? At this point I am just trying to check whether the people at this clinic actually have a pulse. No idea what the right approach is
I can head over one afternoon and ask them what the best procedure would be to contact them if thats of any help.
That'd be awesome I assume you have taken a look at my website already? Maybe you can give it to them as well. I can paste here the contents of the email I sent them as well.
I called the Middlesex Clinic today and was led on quite a merry-go-round by the automated phone system. Possibly a good idea that you didn't even try calling from the Netherlands on a payphone! It turns out (eventually) that the Middlesex Clinic does not exist anymore; it closed with the rest of the Middlesex Hospital it was based in, in 2005. Hence your e-mail to the service manager came up empty (I really wish they would learn to use Out of Office Assistant and update their website. I mean, it's been five ****ing years!). However I tracked down the secretary of the two consultants mentioned at the bottom of the UCLH web page that you linked (Dr Gerard Conway and Miss Sarah Creighton). She stated that if you email her at endocrine.dept@uclh.nhs.uk she can print it off and get it to Dr Conway's desk, who can then best advise you how to proceed with a private consultation.
Thank you for making that call, Nexxo. Incredible that they would never once update their website to indicate that this clinic doesn't exist any more. I'm feeling quite disappointed, and I hope that this Dr Conway can still do something for me. Finding help can be so hard sometimes
Even if this clinic is defunct, this is an area of special interest for him so he should be able to point you in the right direction, including clinics that are still open.
Yeah, indeed Hoping for the best here *keeps all her four paws crossed* :3 Thanks again for making that call! At least things are moving forward now
Not unusual. Consultants do insane hours --especially on clinic days. They take a week to get back to you even if you're a colleague e-mailing them from within the hospital. Give it at least a week.
