Hospital transport didn’t turn up hospital cancelled my appointment

[Itsallinthehips]

Sorry but I need to vent

So transport were meant to pick me up at 9:30, I called from 9 to make sure they were on time as it’s 4 hours away to the hospital I’m going. I called 8 times in the end I got told 8 different things...... 12:30 comes and the hospital call me to tell me transport aren’t picking me up so I have to rearrange my appointment for another 3 weeks😡

I was transport they have no explanation for me just sorry. This isn’t the first second or third time this has happened so Im taking this further and have made a formal complaint against the crew and call handler.

I had to completely change my day around for this appointment and had to push back my universal credit meeting just for this appointment for no one to even bother coming to get me or to let me know they weren’t.

It’s an absolute joke.

[Bananas5]

Interesting as hospital ambulances don't leave before 9 to do collection. Same at end of day...last return is 4 assuming everyone lives no more than an hour from hospital.

Out of hours they contract out to private firms.

But that my friend is another story I never want to repeat.

x

[Itsallinthehips in reply to Bananas5]

They are 24/7 here where I live and will take you all over the country. I did it not long ago getting to st Thomas so that’s not the problem as it was the same time and I didn’t get home until 9 that night either.

The point I’m making is I was lied to multiple times and they didn’t even call me to tell me they weren’t coming or to offer an explanation I just got sorry that’s it

Luckily bath hospital are amazing and understood and got me in for 3 weeks

[Itsallinthehips in reply to Bananas5]

It’s not actually connected to our hospital it’s just south east ambulance service who have the contract so they do trips everywhere of any time

[Hidden in reply to Itsallinthehips]

I live about sixty five miles from a main hospital and I get picked up by car and brought back the same way. I am allowed to take my Wife especially when they sedate me.

We seem to be lucky here, normally they pick me up about eight and I am home by six.

They even come up to the ward to pick me up

Sounds like a different world where you are. Sorry you are having so many problems, you seemed to have done the right thing

BOB

[Millie09]

How awful!! I have patient transport booked for March, I used it last in Nov, they collected me at 7.45 am !! My first appt wasn't untill 10 am, then my second at 11 am , did not get home till 3pm.

I was in pain , hungry and tired.

[ssdw1958]

I am a person who when I go out of the house I use my wheelchair. So I really don’t like strangers in my house. If you know what I mean. So when I make appointment I have to make them when someone I know can give me a ride. So that is a challenge.

[cyberbarn]

please go to your CCG PALS office and to your local Healthwatch with this. It will be the CCG that commissions patient transport and they need to know that it isn't working.

I have had a lot of trouble with patient transport for both myself and my son, and as chair of our Patient Participation Group. The CCGs try to save money by commissioning the organisation with the lowest bid and then they wonder why it doesn't work!

[Itsallinthehips in reply to cyberbarn]

Thank you I will do, it’s completly outrageous to be honest. Before they were taken over by the new company they were amazing now it seems they just don’t care

[cyberbarn]

They haven't been taking over by Arriva by any chance have they? I am in the South West area and Arriva has gone from bad to worse. They are now even refusing to take cancer treatment patients, and because this is a very rural area it isn't like we even have the choice of public transport and taxies are too expensive costing up to £100 for a round trip to a main hospital, even if you can find one to take you because they are all busy with the school run and weddings and corporate events.

[Itsallinthehips in reply to cyberbarn]

No it’s not them. When I used St Thomas hospital transport they were amazing got me there and back quickly and safely and on time. But the one here is a joke, what are we meant to do when we get refered over 150 miles away from our house can’t drive or take public transportation because of the pain and money

[Rosepetal60 in reply to cyberbarn]

Have you tried your Voluntary Car scheme ? ( taking patients to Surgerys or hospital appointments) Most areas have them and it's possible your surgery might know about this service. Or your county council.

[Itsallinthehips in reply to Rosepetal60]

I need to be in an ambulance for long journeys, do they have ambulances as well as cars? My doctors only gave me the number for the transport I used

[Rosepetal60 in reply to Itsallinthehips]

No ambulances as far as I know. As it’s Volunteers using their own cars.

[Itsallinthehips in reply to Rosepetal60]

I can’t used them them and I need actual medical staff with me but thank you.

[rabbits65]

How absolutely frustrating, I hope your feeling ok ...

[Itsallinthehips in reply to rabbits65]

No I’m very angry that I had to miss my appointment and didn’t even get an answer as to why, and now have to wait longer just for my assessment it’s ridiculous. As I made a formal complaint though I will be contacted by the director of the services so hopefully it won’t happeen to anyone else

Thank you