I have been attending OP appointments for years. It used to be the case that you made the follow up appointment on the way out and it always happened. Then around twenty+ years ago it became a case of "we will post it to you". This usually happens but sometimes not and you have to chase. Also quite frequently another letter arrived changing it to a later date. Sometimes this can occur a multiplicity of times.
I received an appointment I cannot make as I cannot be in two places at one time! Anyway I rang up to change it. An alternative acceptable date/time was found a few weeks later. Then to my surprise I was asked exactly why I could not make it? As they always say "unforeseen circumstances" this felt like an intrusion. Hopefully they are not going to start recording this just because they can!
It reminds me of some years ago.i arrived late for an appointment (train stuck between signals - I had rung up to let them know) and the receptionist recorded I was late. When I asked if the doctor was waiting she said "Oh no, he's running 45 minutes late". I did not get a smile when I suggested she record this as I was only ten minutes late!
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MichaelJH
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The problem is people not turning up for appointments or giving lame excuses so as not to be discharged for turning up. These systems always seem to penalise the ones who stick to the system. It’s an unending problem. I remember a famous surgeon who, if he was feeling that way out, would hide behind a pillar in the secretary’s office and tell his nurse to tell them he had left for the wards.
Depending on which nurse he had on clinic or who was in the office he would sometimes get away with not seeing them. They are busy people. This same surgeon offered to check on my husband on Christmas Day if he hadn’t been discharged home on Christmas Eve.
I wouldn't be surprised if they start to do it a similar way to those who have to claim Benefits & when you don't turn up without a "good excuse" you will be removed from the list. If still needing help then you will have to start all over again.
Much the same with me, yearly appointment made after seeing consultant, then changed to them sending me a letter nearer the time, and usually changing it at least once. These appointments used to involve an echo then sit and wait to see the consultant, then a few years ago they changed it so I had to have one appointment for the echo and then another appointment to see the consultant for about five minutes! I was told it was more convenient for the consultant, she didn’t have an answer when I pointed out that it wasn’t more convenient for me, the patient, as I now have to take two half days off work plus pay two lots of the extortionate parking fees at the hospital.
I’m also still having blood tests from when I had my spleen removed. The doctor decided that to save me sitting round at hospital (usually at least a two hour wait), he would do it by phone, with me having my bloods taken at my gp surgery. First time, no phone call and when I got home there was a message on my answerphone saying it was moved to 9am that morning, yet he hadn’t called and was supposed to ring my mobile anyway. Appointment re-arranged, another blood test and yet again, no phone call. Then get a copy letter he sent to my gp saying I hadn’t been available! Third time, yet another blood test, and actually got a call, lasted less than five minutes.
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Follow up appointments - Covid 19
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