"Family Planning Clinic"

I attended the family planning clinic for a smear test, I was overdue for this due to being pregnant and then finding the time to attend an appointment.

I went in to see the nurse who asked whether I had brought a letter with me I explained the and said that I was unable to locate my letter. The nurse said they couldn't carry out the test as I didnt have my NHS number and went off to check whether the receptionist could find it (they couldnt).

As the clinic is carried out by East Cheshire NHS Trust I would expect that the clinic staff have access to my medical records.

As an employee of the NHS myself I found the whole situation puzzling it takes a lot for some people to attend for a smear test and to be turned away is very upsetting and may mean that they dont rebook and serious issues not picked up and treated. I will rebook my appointment but after taking the time to arrange for someone to look after my baby this will not be easy. This is the first time that I have been late having my test.

I think the clinic staff could have gone back to the hospital with my test and added the NHS number.

I cant believe that I am the only person not to have my NHS number available at the time of my appointment and that the staff should be a bit more helpful. I know that the sample doesnt have to be sent to the lab straight away and could be kept until the information was available