"Problems with appointments"

I had an appointment recently with the Consultant Physiotherapist (who has since retired), no problem there all was great; she told me NOT to attend the Knee Clinic sessions at the Aquatic Centre until I had seen her again as my Knee wasn't/isn't settling and I may be doing more harm than good, again no problems. She told me to go to reception (appointment request in hand) to book an appointment, this I did........

Lady at desk said...''I am busy at the moment, leave the request there and we will mail your appointment to you''....I said no problem, but I cannot attend an appointment between certain dates in August inclusive.....and I left.

1st Problem: - A couple of days later, I receive an appointment for a date I couldn't attend. I rang and informed them of their mistake. I was told as she was retiring I would have to wait until someone else was rota'd in to take over existing patients, not too much of an issue as long as it wasn't too long as my knee is still giving me pain and is not improving as it should be.

2nd Problem: - I gave it a few days after my holiday (given that it was 2 weeks + since I had spoke to anyone) and rang again....this is when I am starting to get really riled. ''I am sorry, because you 'missed' your appointment you have to go to the bottom of the queue and wait again''. ''mmm'' I said, '' So I get persecuted because of an Administrative Error at your end? '' and as if reading of Auto Queue ''I am sorry, because you 'missed' your appointment you have to go to the bottom of the queue and wait again''

3rd Problem: - Today, I receive a letter from the Physiotherapy Department asking me to contact them urgently to find out why I haven't been attending the Knee Clinic sessions at the Aquatic Centre..so I rang and informed them of the situation ''Oh, OK Mr ........ we don't get given that sort of information! ''

Now forgive me if I am wrong, an email costs nothing whereas a letter costs money...so why wouldn't you inform another department in the same institution (or even write it on the patient records) to save the cost of sending a letter out when there is absolutely no requirement at all? Just saying!