"Bad and getting worse."

What could be improved

The appointment system. After seeing a doctor in this department in January 2011 I was told I should be seen again in six months. No appointment arrived and I rang to make one in June. I was told to ring back in a couple of weeks because a new computer system was being installed to improve things. I rang several times through July and August only to be told there were no available appointments. I rang at the beginning of September and was finally given an appointment for mid October, ten months after I was told I should be seen in six. After arriving for my appointment I had a two hour wait in the waiting room before I was seen. I previously commented about this appointment system in January 2010, to which the hospital replied in July 2010 assuring me they would be making improvement. It is now far worse than it was then. I have have now been told I should be seen again in four months. I don't hold much hope of that. At reception I was told "We have too many patients and not enough Doctors". This does not inspire confidence in patients. I wonder how many peoples condition worsens because they are not seen on time. I am thinking of changing to another hospital.

Anything else?

While being examined by the doctor I was asked if I had any allergies to drugs, food etc. The Doctor then changed my medication. On reading the leaflet enclosed with the medication it clearly says it should not be given to people with certain other problems i.e. asthma. No-one asked me if I had other medical conditions, I don't but I wonder why I was not asked.