"Orthopaedic appointment - can I have more information?"

In late March I received an appointment letter from the Princess Elizabeth Orthopaedic Centre at the RD&E to attend the hospital in May as a day patient for a procedure. I was asked to confirm my acceptance by telephoning the relevant secretary but despite ringing several times the phone was always on voicemail.

I finally left a message the following morning confirming that I accepted the appointment. I wanted to speak to someone to ensure that my message was received, as I do not live locally and it would be a long drive to discover that they were not expecting me. Also because the appointment letter stated that a leaflet was enclosed entitled Welcome to the Day Case Unit which would provide additional information but this had not been enclosed and I wanted to ask for one to be sent to me. I am feeling apprehensive about the procedure I am booked in for and any extra information would be really helpful.

I left my name, address and telephone number on the voicemail but no-one has contacted me.

I have been waiting for two and a half weeks and still no leaflet so I telephoned again today and still voicemail.

The medical treatment I have received so far has been excellent but I am finding the administration falls a long way short of basic standards. However I remain optimistic!