"Concerns about my son's care at ENT St. John's hospital"

My young son had an appointment for an audiology test in mid February 2016 after having been seen previously by his GP. His screening test was done, and he was then made to wait 15 minutes before being called by the consultant.

After having to sit and explain my son's history with his ears, gromit etc, I was then  told I was to disregard his previous diagnoses and the consultant would now take him over as a new patient. The consultant then explained my son had failed his hearing test and was deaf in both ears. The consultant then said that if my son had been an adult, he would be getting fitted for an hearing aid!

Then this consultant told us that they were short staffed and they had volunteered to work. After about 30 mins, the consultant then explained the deafness may be due to a chronic ear infection. So my son was prescribed antibiotics, which we had to wait to get until the Monday, as this prescription had to be transferred over by his GP.

These were for 14 days and I was assured he would be seen again in 2 weeks to re-sit his test. 2 months later, and several phone calls back and forth I was told that the consultant had not placed a follow up for 14 days and due to the shot staff, my son has been placed on a waiting list for May! I feel that this is a disgrace

The secretary I spoke with was rude, and unhelpful. And placing a complaint I have now requested a copy of the test and the notes, only to find my son was to be seen in 14 days, no further forward with the ENT department.

I now have no idea how much my son can hear, which is now affecting his school work. Totally disgusted by the treatment and the service. The ear infection was that bad, I was told to inform his school so he was placed at front of class, to cover up his ears whilst showering etc, and not allow him in chlorine, so no swimming lessons but yet the urgency of my son's hearing seems to just be another number to the hospital.