"Postponed cataract operation"

Anything else?

I had an appointment for a cataract operation today 6 November, to be carried out by my doctor, I arrived before 1oclock and was directed to what appeared to be a ward now being used as a waiting room. The nurse on the desk was having problems with updating information on her computer and was trying her best to get this resolved via numerous phone calls. I was told that my notes hadn't arrived from Darlington but they were expected by 1oclock. Morning surgery had taken a little longer so afternoon list started at 1.45. All other patients were prepped and seen by the consultant, I was eventually taken into another room by a doctor who said that notes still hadn't arrived but not to get anxious as theyprobaly would arrive. At this point I realised that my doctor wasn't carrying out my surgery, but I wasn't told this officially. My husband had taken the afternoon off work to drive me from Chester le street and I had made child care arrangements for school pickup for today and rest of the week. At 3oclock I was told my notes were en route but wouldn't arrive until 6 and that the doctor wouldn't be able to carry out the surgery and I would receive another appointment. Whilst I appreciate the hospital had tried to get my notes the day before I feel quite disappointed with the service I have recieved. Staff were polite and genuinely sorry about the inconvenience and i dont blame them at all, but I can't help feeling that notes should be sourced earlier and that if the person I was expecting to carry out the operation wasn't going to be available I should have been advised prior to the operation. At my pre op assessment the nurse sorted my op date and I asked for information regarding the surgeon, her resonse put me at ease about the operation , but I was panicked when I found out it was someone else. As for Darlington who had my notes, I can't believe that they were being sent via Chester le street, North Durham . Taking time off work isn't always easy and today was completely wasted , my husband may not be able to take further time off work as it is coming up to year end, and I have inconvenienced a number of people who kindly agreed to do school run for me. The letter I received from Darlington Memorial confirming the date of the operation was dated 9 October so they had plenty of time to get my notes to Bishop Auckland . Numerous people have had their time wasted including the staff at Bishop Auckland and now the plans I had in place to look after my elderly parents while I was unable to,are all scuppered