An appointment was made for my Father to attend clinic 2 (phlebotomy) recently to undergo tests. We arrived 30mins early.
Upon trying to check in using the computer kiosks, I was directed to reception as the appointment couldn't be found. I showed reception the appointment letter and was directed to wait at the bottom of a corridor and told there was no need to check in. On route to the area I passed a sign with an arrow pointing down a corridor labelled clinic 2 and I asked another nurse for directions to the correct waiting area and correct check in, they advised me to go and check in at the area I'd just come from. I explained this and then was told to wait at the bottom of the corridor.
We sat and waited outside the only room labelled clinic 2 (notes).There was a sign on the wall advising everyone must check in. After waiting 20 minutes I asked a nurse about the clinic check in. I was informed to check in at reception, which I already did.
20mins later I asked at clinic 3 reception about checking in. Again I was told to go to main reception. Which had already advised me to wait in the area I was in. A further 20 mins I again asked a kind member if the clinic 3 reception where to go. They were the 1st person to look at the appointment letter and go and seek advice as to were we should be. They then advised us to go and wait at the blood queue.
When we got there we were already an hour waiting. My father has been undergoing chemo and using a walking aid. It's not easy for him. We sat in a long queue for another 20mins.
Upon checking to see why the line wasn't moving I could see the staff were standing talking as the room was being refilled from boxes by a member of staff. Surely this should be done 1st thing given this is such a busy area.
Despite being here 1 hr and 35mins, he has not been seen. The signage for this area is inadequate and the indifference of most of the staff (bar 1 kind member of staff on reception 3) led to a very long wait for what should have been a very straight forward appointment.
I can only imagine how many other people suffer the same issues and this could easily be a cause of delays across the hospital. My father has been treated for cancer in ward 50 and the experience is night and day. They appear to be far better organised
"A very long wait for what should have been a very straight forward appointment"
About: Outpatients Department / Clinic 2 - Respiratory, Medical, Surgical Outpatients Department Clinic 2 - Respiratory, Medical, Surgical Londonderry BT47 6SB
Posted by Phlebotomy area (as ),
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