NHS

[KateLMead]

The organisation is only as good and efficient as those who run it.
Last year a lesion on my leg was diagnosed as Bowens disease last year and another lesion has come up on my face..
I contacted the doctor requesting to see a dermatologist at the beginning of January, and an appointment was made for the end of February, and then cancelled until the middle of April, cancelled again until this Friday, today I receive a letter stating that appointment has been cancelled for the 30th and the next appointment is for the end of June. Previously the office manager informed me that there was and had been no Dermatologist visiting the hospital.. Today he obviously forgot his lie and informed me that two Dermatologists were and had been in attendance attending to the backlog..
I flipped my lid and was furious threatened to go public due to the lies he was trotting out misleading the patients... he landed up ringing his manager who very quickly contacted me apologising, I was so angry at this chap's attitude and I told her so. I also stated to wait six months was equally an outrage.
She has just telephoned me again and has given me an appointment for the 29th in Hereford where the super nurse who attended to me previously immediately recognised my name and voice..
It pays to stick up a stink when necessary..."But we should not have to should we?"

[Lozzles]

Kate I'm sorry you have had cancellation after cancellation ((((((kate))))))) You shouldn't have to make a fuss, but sometimes you just have to sadly. I hope it goes well for you on the 29th and I'm glad you will be seeing a friendly face.

[KateLMead]

Thanks Lozzles, this fellows lies obviously did not affect me! and what upset me was the young manager's lies after lies, pretending that No Dermatologist was visiting the hospital when in fact two had replaced the one who had left..
I am off for my yearly check up with my super oncologist this morning..
As has been stated over and over again.. Hospitals are only as good as those who run and work in them!! " And we live to fight another day"..

[Kaz]

I hope your appointment goes well Kate - just awful to be cancelled so many time xxxx

[Workingman]

I too hope all goes well Kate, but I have to say that the NHS is like the Curate's egg. Up here the appointment system and the staff work fine and when I have had cancellations, from their side, I have been bumped to the front of the queue. It is such a shame that the same rules are not applied nationwide.

[KateLMead]

Your right Frank, glad to hear you are well looked after in your area.. Arrived home from seeing my lovely Oncologist, now where would you think a name like Guglianni would originate from? He is a darling and wants to see my in three months. (just because I am losing weight and have little appetite) I normally see him for an assessment once a year, other than if we meet up.
Our cancer care is second to none. However cardiology is something else, no report back yet from tests I had months ago... No one can find them.. Probably in a pile somewhere in India!!