Ok I was hoping to do a happy blog and not a ranting and raving one, but today made me think of how the NHS has gone downhill since I first moved here and it breaks my heart as it is was such a great institution. Today I had an appointment with a specialist and showed up a half an hour early (at 8 a.m. in Manchester) , only to be informed that there was no surgery and I had received a letter to tell me of this cancellation. Well I didn't receive any letter and I promptly let them know about the lack of correspondence. So who do we blame? Let's find scapegoats, shall we? They, of course, blamed the post (which is hugely inconsistent despite the rise in postage) and I am sure the post would blame the hospital. I was just disgusted as not only did I not receive any letter, but I was also told that I would have to attend a surgery at a Salford hospital which is not convenient for me and I am not a new patient ( I have been going to Oxford Road for 10 years). Well I then became infuriated and told them I am not going to attend anywhere else, thank you!!
So now I still haven't met the new consultant which has taken over the Professor that I had been seeing for years , plus I was down bus fares , etc. I had arranged to see my son at 12 and then had to cancel which was also a disappointment.
I now have no appointment, nothing! This was the perfect time to go as it was Easter and I wouldn't lose any money supply teaching.
Has anyone else had any experiences like this or feel that the NHS is deteriorating. The NHS has been a life saver for me , especially coming from the land where you have to have medical insurance or else you could be refused treatment.
I would love to hear your views on this.
I often think NHS admin lags behind the rest of the world. Wouldn't it have been great if they had RUNG you using a modern device called a TELEPHONE? I think in such instances that's what should happen - - or another modern invention, an email, with a read receipt on it so they'd know you've got it. I think sending a letter and blaming the post is not good enough. I once turned up to collect a prescription and it wasn't ready - - they said "You'll have to come back tomorrow as the doctor's busy." I said "You're assuming the doctor is busier than I am - - how do you know that's the case?" HAH!
ReplyDeleteThey have my phone number (including the mobile), but didn't bother to ring me. I am not sure they have my e-mail, but I would be more than happy to provide details. They even had the audacity to say that they had 're-scheduled the appointment a week in advance in the letter'. How did they know I could make that? I happened to be in London with Adam, Jen and the baby. Plus as I never received any letter, how do I even know they are telling the truth. I am sure you are just as busy at the agency (if not busier) than the doctors, Daphne! x
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