"Gynae and cardiology at Sunderland Royal Hospital"

I'm afraid I can't agree with the previous story about Sunderland hospital.

For several years I have required treatment for various problems but have been treated with respect and consideration by all departments. I have never had to wait unrealistic lengths of time for appointments and if an appointment has been cancelled I have always been informed by letter well in advance and another appointment has been made at the same time.

Waiting times vary depending on the circumstance of patients in before you. If someone has lots of questions about their condition they should be able to discuss these with the doctor without thinking "I'm holding up other people". Sometimes the medical staff are called away to deal with emergencies and delays inevitably occur but I think people need to be tolerant of such incidents and be prepared to wait.

My files have never been misplaced, even though they are required by several different consultants in various departments. All I can say is that I have no complaints against the hospital staff or their treatment of me. I think some people need to be far more tolerant of the difficult job these workers do and be understanding when delays do occur!