"A dreadful day at the hospital"

I had several letters about my cardiology appointment and was told to get to the hospital at least an hour and a half early.

I am a pensioner and was going on my own. I got to the hospital at 12.30 and went to reception about 1.15 as I was a bit early. The ladies at Reception were very nice. I was sent to x-ray and after a little wait was told I didn't have to have one, as I had had one done within 3 months.

I was sent to have an ECG. I got lost on the way and met a drunk. No one would help and in the end a cleaner took me to have the ECG. The nurses were very nice and I was sent to the reception there to see the Consultant.

It was now 2.00 and my appointment was for 3.30. After waiting until 2.45, everyone else going, I asked the Receptionist again if I would be seen at 3.30 or was it the order you came in on arrival? She didn't look at me once, and said it was the order you arrived in. I carried on waiting, too worried about missing my appointment to get a drink or go to the toilet. I had been unwell at the weekend and was now feeling very ill.

I eventually asked a busy nurse who told me I had been given the wrong info. I carried on waiting until about 4.20 and then went home. I still had an hour and a half jouney as I was on public transport.

I was never told what I would be having done, who I would see and no-one was helpful when I couldn't find my way. In fact, several people were very unhelpful.

I had one ECG the whole day and went home unwell.

I still don't know what would have happened if I had stayed or who I would have seen.