Clinic Adding Stress

[Reb990]

Hi everyone,

Does anyone else find their clinic really hard to get a hold of? I left them a message when they opened this morning at 8 as it’s day 1 of my period. Not heard anything back yet and they close at 3.

I find myself staring at the phone and not being able to do anything else because it’s all I can think about. This was the same first time round and the eventually phoned me back late on day 2 and luckily managed to squeeze me in on day 3.

I feel like the whole situation of ivf is bad enough and not being able to get in contact with anyone makes it 10 times worse.

Sorry that was more of a rant than I wanted it to be!

[Tugsgirl]

I don’t really have that issue with mine. Once when I was waiting on lab results maybe and that was pretty stressful but on the whole they are good. Just keep ringing. Don’t worry about making a nuisance of yourself. Good luck xx

[Reb990 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thanks. I’ve found the lab are actually much better at answering the phone. It seems to be the nurses that are the issue. I appreciate they are busy but to be honest I’m busy in my own workplace and wouldn’t get away with just ignoring the phone!

Il keep trying and leave another message x

[genten]

Yes! Mine are awful at picking up the phone! And at times say they will call back but don't. I always have to chase them. It's definitely an added stress that we do not need.

I only live around 8 miles away from my clinic so once I told the matron that I would come in person if that made it easier as no one ever gets back to me.

Totally understand your frustration. I hope they call you back soon..xxx

[Reb990 in reply to genten]

That’s funny genten I’m probably about the same distance away and the thought did enter my head just to drive up!

I feel like everything is so time pressured as well so if they don’t phone back today that only leaves Monday. Which then means trying to explain to my work why didn’t know I had an appointment and now need time off x

[genten in reply to Reb990]

Unless you can get in touch with them, I'd pop in and say there must be an issue with the phone as you've been trying yo get through with no success. It does add so much stress. Xxx

[Reb990 in reply to genten]

If I don’t hear back by 3 I think I will be sending a complaint in. This has been the tip of the iceberg with them to be honest.

Last week they took me over an hour late for an appointment that lasted less than a minute to check my bmi (which is nowhere near the limit of 30 so not as if they were making sure I was under). No apology given or explanation to why I waited so long 🤷🏼‍♀️.

[genten in reply to Reb990]

Bless you. Is it an NHS clinic or private?

I've had a few issues with my clinic over the last year and I spoke my concerns through with a consultant who apologised etc. I'm with NHS and tried to have funding switched to a private clinic but I was mid cycle so it was declined.

Just odd isn't it.

I know that depending on what our appointment is for there are more pressing matters but no apology isn't good enough. I think they know we are desperate and will wait and keep quiet.

I hope you get through or that they call you asap xxxx

[Reb990 in reply to genten]

Fingers crossed they get back to me today. I’m going out for dinner with friends tonight and feel like I’m going to be miserable otherwise!

This is our first nhs round. We paid for a round during the summer as we had some savings and wanted to get started. The nurses have also not let us forget this whenever we are there it is brought up “I’m confused did you pay privately before” “oh it’s not like when you pay privately”. This has really grated on hubby and he was wanting to complain then and there but I feel they’ve got us over the barrel!

[genten in reply to Reb990]

Well if they don't, you try and enjoy your dinner tonight, don't let this spoil your not today.

Oh gosh! Thays not appropriate at all is it. Just ignore the comments, got nothing to do with them.

Was it a different clinic where you did your private round? Xxx

[Reb990 in reply to genten]

No that’s the best laugh it was the same place. We just self funded in the nhs hospital.

I think it’s very hit or miss. Some of the nurses are lovely but I think some of them have forgot why they took up nursing in the first place.

[genten in reply to Reb990]

🙈 oh gosh!! Bloomin joke at times.

Our clinic have always said there is no difference! We have 1 cycle left with NHS and if not a success we decided we would stay with them as they know us etc. But what you're explaining does not sound great!

I know what you mean. All nurses where I am are great except for 1, she looks totally bored and almost rolls her eyes when I ask questions. Xxx

[Lou7744]

If it’s any consolation, I phoned over 2 weeks ago to let my clinic know the outcome from my latest round and left them a msg... I’m still awaiting the call back!

Somehow I dont think it’s going to happen, so will try and phone them at some point! I’d try them again if I were you 💕 xx

[Reb990 in reply to Lou7744]

Thanks Lou!

100% phone them to chase them about that! I emailed in my last result and never heard a single thing. Phoned 10 days later and the receptionist was like oh you want a follow up 🤨 yeah I’d actually like to know my options and where we go from here.

[Lou7744 in reply to Reb990]

It’s poor though isn’t it?! I think it’s bad enough anyway, but when you’ve paid a lot of money, it feels even worse! I kinda think that it’s a production line sort of business... so many in, so many out. I’m wondering at one point they’ll notice that they don’t have an outcome?! 💕 xx

[Hidden]

I agree with tugsgirl keep ringing until they answer! Hope you get through soon 😘 xoxo

[Reb990 in reply to Hidden]

Rang out so many times and left 2 messages now. One at 8 this morning then again at 1 and still not one has got back to me.

Again I’m sure they are very busy but no other job would be allowed to do this. It’s so frustrating as they must realise they are playing with people’s emotions.

[Hidden in reply to Reb990]

That’s terrible, you’re right no other job would be allowed to get away with that 😡 Is your clinic close to you? I’d be tempted to visit them! It’s not on!!

My fertility doctor secretary is good at answering the phone thank goodness xoxo

[Reb990 in reply to Hidden]

It is probably about half an hour drive but time I get parked they will be closed for the day as they shut at 3.

I actually feel like it’s turning me into a crazy person. At this rate we won’t be starting this month as my provisional scan appointment is Wednesday but because my periods early I need it done tomorrow or Monday 😔.

[Devj]

Mine were particularly bad at getting back to me this time around and I was private this time so was paying for it! They weren’t that bad on my NHS round 3/4 years ago. Some days I would be so stressed waiting for them to ring me back this time!

It’s so frustrating isn’t it xx

[Hollibob]

Our first NHS appointment left us feeling disappointed. Called the receptionist the next day and asked who we could provide feedback to via email and were given the clinic unit manager.

Constructed an email outlining what happened, how we had been left to feel and stated that whether we are nhs funded or private, we should all be treated the same. Added in about disappointment and things like that at this emotionally stressful time...

She called us after receiving the email and advised that she’d spoken with the nurse who had apologised and that she would speak with the consultant too. We did get an apology letter from him, but the manager invited us in to discuss our concerns further and asked that we never leave the clinic again feeling the way we did.

Don’t be worried about raising these things with the clinic, they need to accept they need more staff and are disorganised affecting people’s lives!!

Good luck x

[Reb990]

Hey everyone,

Thanks for all the responses. Wanted to give a little update. The clinic finally got back to me after 4 yesterday (even though they claim before 3). Did take 3 messages and lost count of how many calls.

Managed to get booked in this morning and the nurse could not have been any nicer. Makes such a difference having someone who is good at what they do and put you at ease!

Day 1 of injections done and just like that we’re into our second round 🙈. I do think the excitement that went with the first try has gone this time and been replaced with nerves.

Thanks again everyone!

[besgstan]

We experienced the same sort of stress with our clinic. No problems with the main clinic that does the egg collection and embryo transfer, it was the satellite clinic that caused us huge anxiety. Similar to you. Not phoning back. Claiming they never promised to phone back. Appointments running majorly behind even when the clinic has only been open an hour etc. Ours has nice nurses and then two psycho ones who talk to you like dirt if you ask a question or query why phonecalls have not been returned. Am sure they are not all like this, I tried to get transferred to the main clinic where the collection / transfer takes place as the atmosphere and professionalism there was great. Xx

[Snowy76]

Our business manager who co-ordinates the actual start dates, waiting list etc, can be hard to get hold of so found it a lot easier to contact her through the secretaries.

[Refocus]

Oh my gosh I totally agree!! My husband and I were saying this the other day. Our clinic is great during a cycle but awful afterwards! We're trying to arrange our next cycle and it's impossible to speak to anyone and we need them to order something in and if they don't call me back or email soon we'll miss the next cycle!! We've decided to go with a more expensive clinic now in the hope they'll be more responsive. I understand they're busy but I'm their patient too and trying to communicate with them is more stressful than the ivf process! Ggrrr.