"Wasted NHS Appointment"

My dad went to GP with sudden onset of severe hip pain. He has had prostate cancer scares over the years, with symptoms and his PSA had been raised. The GP referred him and he was offered an appointment at Urology at St John's Hospital. I am his daughter and live 2 hours away, but took a day off as carers leave and set off early to go to my dad's to take him to the appointment.  

On arrival my dad was very confused (he has dementia). Someone had phoned about the appointment.  

I spent about 1 hour calling up various places at St johns to find out the story. Eventually I was put through to the Dr's secretary and then the Doctor.

The Dr had phoned my dad in the morning on the day of his appointment- it was a waste of time them seeing him as he needed a bone scan at the Western General first. They had referred him.  

The Dr said they weren't aware my dad had dementia or that I lived so far away. They apologised for the mix up and that they had not triaged my dad's appointment, which was incorrect.   They could still see my dad but it was a waste of time really.  This is a wasted new patient appointment. No wonder waiting times are so bad. The Service Manager was not available to discuss.  The process does not work - if indeed there is one.  

I asked if the Dr could try to get an appointment at Nucleur medicine at the Western for my dad.  I was able to stay that day and the Friday.  My poor dad couldn't walk and was in severe pain, even with pain patches, his dementia and mood were getting worse as he could not get out and is now housebound not to mention he might have cancer.

So the Dr kindly phoned the western to be told the next appointment is mid February.  It is usually 2 - 3 weeks referral time, but since my dad was triaged incorrectly he goes to the back of the queue.  So it was 3 weeks wait to be incorrectly sent an appointment for Urology op then another 3 weeks for an appointment for the bone scan! This is inaccessible and disgusting that the nhs systems let this happen and if my dad has cancer - the delay in treatment may be irreversible and too late.  

I am disgusted at this lack of patient care.  I know this happens frequently as I have spoken to others this has happened to.  NHS waiting times are at an all time high and it is no wonder.  I drove for 4 hours yesterday and myself and my family are very worried about my dad.

I feel that our NHS is going downhill and I am disgusted at our treatment.