The process was very convoluted and wasteful involving many people. Money could be saved if this was improved.
The GP told his secretary I needed a scan. She sent me a letter containing a password asking me to book via the Devon Access and Referral Team. I rang them and they offered me appointments either at a hospital 30 minutes drive away or another 45 minutes away.
When I asked for an appointment at the major hospital 5 minutes walk away they could not do this. They told me they would contact this hospital (the Royal Devon and Exeter) and I would then hear - they were unsure whether this would be by letter or phone.
I then got a letter from my hospital of choice asking me to ring and make an appointment. I rang and made the appointment which was then confirmed with me by letter.
So this involves 3 letters and 3 or more people plus significant delay between the GP and the appointment being made. Multiply this by the number of people attending hospital and this system represents a lot of waste. Like most people these days I use email - why can't the NHS do so?
I would also add that I discovered at the end of this process that I needed to attend with an empty stomach and full bladder so a 45 minute drive would have been impossible!
"Booking an appointment for an ultrasound scan"
About: Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Exeter EX1 1PQ Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / General medicine Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) General medicine EX2 5DW
Posted by HazelR (as ),
Responses
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Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 9 years ago
See more responses from Devon Access & Referral Team (DART)
Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 9 years ago
Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 9 years ago
See more responses from Gemma Smith
See more responses from Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford)