"Slow post makes for a poorer service"

I had to have some test at the hospital. The consultant said he would organise them for the same day. I received appointments for one set of tests with all the supporting info 2 weeks ahead. I assumed he had not been able to co-ordinate the tests. However the Saturday morning before my appointment on the Monday the appointment for the other tests arrived without any info on what to expect, if i should drive etc. I had not anticipated having to be off work all day and i was unable to contact either the day unit or my work.

I therefore arrived at the day unit and explained my problem on the Monday morning. The staff were excellent and very apologetic but it appears that letters marked as first class take at least 1 week to get through the system therefore patients do not receive appointments as quickly as the clinicians anticipate.

I was very nervous but keen to have the tests as i am worried about my condition. So I had to let people down at my own place of work because of the timescales.

Surely it is possible for a hospital to get its mail out in less than 1 week.