My elderly, partially sighted diabetic mother received an appointment letter on 4.2.16 to be seen in the eye department on 8.2.16. I rang to ask for another appointment as I have to escort her and could not do it at such short notice – 4 days, 2 working days.
The only date they could offer was 4. 4. 16 – two months later.
On 1. 4. 16 she received a letter informing her that the appointment on 4. 4. 16 was cancelled and no reason given. It had been booked for 9. 5. 16 – a month later. She could not read the letter (due to poor eyesight! ) and as I was at work I was unable to contact the appointments department had closed. There was no answer phone or email address to communicate with them.
It is poor practice to cancel and book appointments for elderly people at such short notice especially when they often rely on others for transport and carer support. It is also poor practice to have them wait three months for an appointment when they are only seen yearly as it is.
"Poor appointments system"
About: Royal Bournemouth General Hospital / Ophthalmology Royal Bournemouth General Hospital Ophthalmology BH7 7DW
Posted by Namaste (as ),
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Update posted by Namaste (a carer) 7 years ago