"Reasonable after wait, could improve"

What I liked

I was referred in Sept '10 after having problems since July '10 which my GP checked with blood tests etc. I had to wait until December to be seen. I was pleasantly surprised to get an appt in a month for a flexible sigmoidoscopy esp. considering bad weather (snow) the week after and Christmas/New Year bank holidays. This although not pleasant was not as bad as I expected & had a very quick response from the specialist nurse with a query after. Then had to wait for a month for a letter with final results and a followup appt over 2 months later.

Unsure about seeing a locum consultant due to previous experience elsewhere but was pleasantly surprised with their age, communication and overall experience. Please give them a permanent position. Overall, pleasant & cheerful staff but slow process

What could be improved

Wait for first appt - now would go elsewhere e.g. Shepton Mallet Treatment Centre if possible

Wait for blood test in outpatients after initial appt & not informed correctly of delay.

Wait of at least a month for clinic letter copies to arrive with my GP or myself.

Symptoms were due to an intolerance which was never mentioned by GP or consultant ? due to checking as family history of IBD

Lack of daylight/dingy environment in outpatients - need to get some of the Art for Life programme elsewhere in the hospital e.g. Beacon Centre/Queens building corridor

Incorrect phone number recorded

Never contacted about cancellation even though nearby and could come at short notice

Anything else?

Please think about approaches used in other hospitals to save costs rather than cut services or staff e.g. many hospitals send bowel preparation out in advance for people to use at home rather than being in endoscopy longer and involving more staff to administer...

Also, to save waits for clinic then test then clinic again... organise services to enable G.P.s/consultants to request more tests in advance or at same visit as consultation = more efficient service