"Most of the staff are very nice ..."

What I liked

Most of the staff are very nice and have been very thorough with their investigations.

What could be improved

Time delays between procedures and lack of patient information has not only wasted NHS resources, increased patient stress levels and worsening their health problems by causing depression, but has also given inconclusive results to tests.

Getting to see the right person has also been extremely difficult. I think all new hospital referrals should get patients, where possible, to complete a brief questionnaire stating: background details, a simple list of current symptoms and any family history. To save wasting valuable consultant time explaining the same thing over and over to different consultants.

Another big problem has been getting hold of test results which must waste a considerable amount of administrative time. It would be helpful if standard practice would be to copy all results back to the patient's G.P. rather than waiting weeks or months to find out from a consultant. Also do not promise test results will be ready in 7 - 10 days when three weeks later you are still chasing around trying to get the information it is very demoralising.

Not all consultations are very productive. Why do you need an appointment to see a consultant to be told you are being referred to a different consultant? (And waiting five weeks for the privilege!) Surely a telephone call would have sufficed. Then at least the two month wait for the next appointment wouldn't have seemed so bad especially when you get there they tell you that you would have been hospitalised if they had seen you earlier!