"Pain Management"

My husband has attended pain management unit for approx. 3yrs now and is on an open appointment system where we ring up and book his next appointment. In theory this should work, that is if anyone will ever answer the phone, it is impossible to get through. He is due an appointment and is in a lot of pain, I have been trying to get through for over two weeks, I have rung at different times of the day, it makes no difference, no one ever answers. The service he receives from the consultant and nursing staff is excellent but is let down badly by the reception service. Wouldn't it be easier if another appointment could be made while you are attending the clinic, I appreciate it would be approx. 4 mths in advance but these injections are a lifeline and I am sure people would remember them even booking 4 mths in advance. In the meantime it looks like we will have to travel from Doncaster to Mexborough (as we have done in the past) to visit the unit just to make an appointment.