"Poor Communication with patients at a time of great worry"

Seen GP and was referred on a "fast track" basis to Croydon UH for further investigations commencing with CT Scan and then 6 days later with Gastro exam (including biopsies). Expecting to have had outpatients appt. by now which has now happened.

Issue muddied by comments made by staff of Endo dept. inferring that a further CT scan was/may be required (but no-one can say why or for sure that this is clinically necessary). Left me to speak to CT Unit about previous scan and after some deliberation amongst the staff there was told that I could ignore endo. request for similar scan on the basis that the report from first one not yet ready and therefore staff at endo. unit not already aware that this had already taken place.

Waited the requisite 2 weeks for follow-up outpatients appt. but nothing received so contacted GP for guidance. Originally told there is was "up to me" to chase the hospital for the required outpatients appt. and they could not intervene when asked to assist me, but when pushed they relented and feedback I received was that the biopsy results were still awaited and that the outpatients appt. only would follow after that as expected.

Today I received a 2nd CT scan appt. and when enquiring as to why and reminding the endo unit about previous one (CT dept. didn't answer the phone! they were basically left scratching their heads and said they would be in touch. I do hope it is nothing too serious going on that is now being delayed treatment due to their own administrative incompetence at the endo unit - I shall not hold my breath hearing again any time soon but will not be attending 2nd CT appt. as not at a mutually convenient time in any event (which they have also now been told about but whether they take any notice of that remains to be seen). First experience of being ill/needing such investigations - so far very unimpressed! ! ! !