"Appointment at short notice"

Received a letter to call the hospital and confirm an appointment for Colonoscopy appointment. The letter was sent out late and on the date that I received the letter I had 24 hrs to confirm an appointment. I tried calling 4 times, firstly the number on the letter was incorrect.

So with only 24 hrs to confirm and having waited 3yrs for the correct referral service, I called the Hospital Reception. When I called my 1st call was disconnected immediately after picking up. Called back and someone picked up, said Hello twice and pretended they could not hear me and slammed the phone after seconds.

3rd time lucky, someone else picked up who advised me that the Hospital does not accept any calls from witheld numbers (I found this extermely bizarre reasoning for not actually answering the caller or advising patient until my 3rd attempt).

I live close by, so went to Endoscopy within the hour and the receptionist for Endoscopy was extremely helpful and professional, this includes their fellow colleagues and the Sister. The team were helpful and extremely professional, while maintaining a very approachable and friendly manner.

As the face of the department, receptionists set the tone and experience of the patient for that department.  The receptionist I dealt with was exceptionally helpful to the situation and importance of confirming an appointment within a very short space of time. Thank you, as one of the best NHS experiences I had received to that date.