good old NHS (part 2)

[Retiredtech28]

following on from my previous post about having to go private to get MRI and treatment for my hip problems. Just had a letter from the radiography dept at nhs hospital. I’ve got appointment for an MRI 8th October 😃. So would have been waiting seven months for that. Actually, that’ll fit in nicely with my 3 month follow up appointment on the NHS which the consultant said I needed in late May when I saw him…. That’s booked for second week of November!

[MuppetBaby]

Unfortunately the NHS is extremely over subscribed at the moment. Not helped by people not turning up for or not cancelling their appointments. I work for the NHS and have had several days in the last few weeks where only one patient has turned up for their appointment the entire day. Several colleagues have also had the same.

Not saying that you would do this, but it’s very frustrating when I know we are booking into 2026 for some appointments and this happens. Sadly a proportion of people do not see the need to let us know either at all or with sufficient notice they will not be attending meaning it can’t be used for another patient. Obviously there will always be people that have no choice to cancel due to illness/emergency which can’t be helped. This is not the only reason for long lists but is definitely a contributing factor.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to MuppetBaby]

I always feel it’s so unfair to not show up unless an absolute emergency. I get a postal reminder and an NHS App reminder, then an automated phone reminder a week before and two days before where you press to confirm attendance, etc. I don’t need prompting but don’t mind them doing this. Some people do need to be reminded and encouraged . I think my rheumy dept still say 2 missed patient appts in succession/close proximity and without explanation and you’re returned to your GP for care.

[cyberbarn in reply to Neonkittie17]

Sadly not all NHS trusts around the country send out reminders, and sometimes those reminders are sent out after the appointment time. Some reminders go out with no phone number or other contact details saying how to cancel, and others don't put what appointment the reminder is for. This is a big problem for parent carers of adult disabled children, you never know what the appointment is or who it is for.

I think it is unfair to always blame the patients for not turning up (I know that isn't what you are doing) but until the NHS sorts out itself, we mustn't jump to the conclusion that it is always the patients' fault.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to cyberbarn]

Hi I only know from my experiences and what reminders I receive but I feel it’s very much more than what many others receive. My hospital seem to do this right atm. I have no personal complaints about the service I have re appointments but well aware it doesn’t work like this for everyone. No, I’m not pointing fingers. It is wrong though for those patients who just don’t show up and no valid reason though as I know this happens with my rheumy department. There is always a number on our letters to cancel/rearrange. Seems lacking for many if there isn’t the option to phone a general appointments line which are usually open at ours every week day 0830-1700. Then the departmental admin don’t get flooded with calls.

I pointed out 30 years ago that the letters didn’t tell you which appointment it was for and who with if you saw more than one consultant, and my rheumy nurse said email me and I’ll pass this on. Next week they changed the info on their letters and stated the consultant and department and even the desk you’d to go to check in. All made sense to me and my nurse. Anyhow, there is no argument from me here. I was just mentioning to Muppet my reminders are on the generous side rather than not at all.

[Green230461]

Right oh - very swift for follow up……..! Hope it goes well. 🙋🏻