"Overall very disappointed in my experience here"

Overall I'm very disappointed with my experience here.

The Doctor at Warwick Road Surgery had referred me to Cumberland Infirmary for fertility assessments. However, the referral was never actually booked, resulting in lost time. When I was having bloods taken the nurse pointed out the referral is not on her system so I queried this with reception, who said the referral has been sent off and not to worry. A few more weeks later, after still receiving nothing in the post, I called Warwick road who again reassurred me the referral has been sent. Still nothing, so I called up again and spoke to a receptionist who actually looked into it; the practice manager then called me back around an hour later to say the referral was never sent by mistake. So I lost several weeks waiting when I should have been in the queue for my fertility referral.

Now I've finally had the initially appointment with the fertility clinic, and they've requested repeat bloods on Day 18 and Day 21 of my cycle. These tests have be done on these exact days to measure progesterone levels during the luteal phase of the cycle to indicate whether ovulation has occurred. I called up Warwick Road when my period started to book these blood tests, however the receptionist told me she cannot book anything as there are no appointments but they can offer me something in October. I explained these have been requested by the hospital and must be done before my 3 month follow up in October and must be done on those exact days of my cycle. As an alternative option I asked if they could provide me with 2x yellow top serum tubes so my husband (an NHS Consultant and a Doctor of nearly 20 years) can take the bloods for me. The girl said "sorry I can't let you do that". It was still a very much 'computer says no' attitude that nothing can be done. So what is the solution then? I'll wait another month until my next cycle, phone up, and be told the same thing? If you never have a phlebotomist available within 3 weeks' notice, how can this test ever be done at Warwick Road?! So, so disappointing.