"Waited two months for a referral ..."

What I liked

Waited two months for a referral to see a consultant at Broomfield. Told to use the choose and book system, waited 4 days for the password and went to book. Given several times and days to book - great I thought. Tried booking by phone but the system was busy and advised to do it on-line. Went on-line and after a dozen attempts to book the response just kept coming back the hospital can't book on-line at this time (the next available appointment time is 41 days).

So I phoned the number and held for an operator who said the computer system does play up from time to time but he was confident he could book an appoitment - wrong, Broomfield bookings not happening. Advise given was to try in 3 or days, which will probably ad another 10 days wait to the appointment.

What could be improved

If the system is down then advertise it on the on-line booking system so patients don't waste time trying to book appointments that cannot be booked.

Have a back-up system that means patients can book appointments when the computers don't want to play. All you need is a person, an appointment book and a pencil or pen!!!!! BACK TO BASICS.