I took my mother to the afternoon drop in on Tuesday 27th October.
We arrived at 2:00pm and we paid for 2 hours parking thinking this would be plenty of time.
We picked up the card with 16 on it. Number 2 had just gone in.
After one hour I went to out-patient appointments to ask why the system could not be changed to an appointment system (similar to the system now used for taking blood).
I was told that Audiology is not run by the Community Hospital and that having an appointment would defeat the idea of a drop in.
We were not seen until 3:50pm when the audiologist looked into my mother's ears and said "They are full of wax - I can't do anything here today"
Surely an initial screening of arrivals would help with this sort of situation.
I felt that because many of the people waiting were elderly, probably retired and had communication problems they were being expected to sit and take a very poor service.
A working person could not afford to spend that time simply waiting.
I felt patronised by the answers to my questions - as if it was a surprise to have a complaint. People did not seem open to new ideas or suggestions.
I did however discover that you can make an appointment but you will be seen by a volunteer - not an audiologist and they will simply check tubing,ear moulds and microphone covers.
There were a lot of very frustrated and annoyed people waiting for this service.
I am sure that all audiologists would realise that deafness is a condition which is inherently frustrating and would not wish to exacerbate this.
"Unacceptable waiting time"
About: West Berkshire Community Hospital West Berkshire Community Hospital Thatcham RG18 3AS
Posted via nhs.uk
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