"Cancer treatment and scheduling"

I am currently supporting my dad with his cancer treatment. Due to some memory issues staff have asked that I attend consultant appointments with him, which I agree with and am happy to do.

The staff are all lovely and really helpful, but I feel like there are processes in the way of my dad getting the support he needs.

I work for the NHS and understand the pressures staff face. However, the scheduling of appointments is confusing, not only to my dad, but also me. Appointment letters are sent then appointments changed. Appointments are arranged in advance and then through lack of communication between departments, changed at the last minute. Referrals are made to other services, following which my dad receives a text in order to opt in, which he cannot do.

Cathy, one of the cancer support nurses, has been supportive in helping me attend appointments. However, I feel that she has limited time also and it is added pressure for her to have to constantly confirm appointments with me.

There must be a better way to see upcoming appointments, last minute changes etc, for example a parent portal in order for next of kin to be able to access this information - of course with the consent of the patient - and for all involved to have the same information.