What could be improved
I saw my doctor (in Lymington) at 0915 on 24th June and he advised me he was arranging for a scan at Lymington hospital.
Having not heard anything and being in considerable pain I called the above hospital's direct line for u/s scans at 1230 today (01590 66310). Despite phoning twice and waiting 10 minutes the number just rang out. I was trying to find out how long I would need to wait.
I then tried the MRI direct number and on my second attempt it was eventually answered. The nurse was quite helpful and said she would check, adding that the normal waiting time was two weeks. She then came back and said she had booked an appointment for 14th July. This does beg the question as to what would have happened if I had not phoned. It would have been useful to have been able to request a phone call in the event of a cancellation but this was not mentioned.
In an attempt to provide some positive feedback relating to my experience I would suggest that doctors are made aware of the approximate waiting time (including processing the request and writing to the patient) so the doctor pass this information to the patient.
With regard to no-one answering the phone, I would have expected a modern hospital to have the facility to enable voicemail on DDI numbers available to the public, especially those used for appointment queries. In this case I understand it was 'lunchtime' and no one is available to take calls. A brief message to say the department is not available during lunchtime and quoting the time period is surely not difficult to implement.
It would be useful to have some direct feedback from the General Management at Lymington with regard to the last point. I should stress this is not a comment on individuals but on the system.
"Disappointing."
About: Lymington New Forest Hospital Lymington New Forest Hospital Lymington SO41 8QD
Posted via nhs.uk
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