"Failure to get test results and MRI scans..."

Following nerve conduction tests at North Staffs in Januart 2017 and two MRI scans at Leighton Hospital in January and February 2017 I was referred to the Walton Centre to see a consultant neurologist on 17th March. With my condition deteriorating I was dismayed to find on seeing the consultant that none of the necessary data to enable a diagnosis to be made was available? After the consultation I made urgent phone calls to Leighton Hospital to get the required test data sent to Walton. Two days later I saw a nuerosurgeon at Leighton Hosptal who told me I needed urgent neck surgery as I had double compression of the spinal cord. I had surgery at Salford Royal on 3rd April.

Post operatively, I saw the surgeon in May who requested further nerve conductivity tests and a further MRI scan as I was having problems with my left shoulder, arm and hand. I had the nerve conductivity tests at North Satffs in May but heard nothing from Leighton Hosital until I contacted them in May and established they had no record of the MRI request. The surgeon then requested an MRI scan to be undertaken at Salford Hospital. This was undertaken in July. In May the surgeon requested that I be seen by the same neurologist for his opinion of my condition once the further tests had been undertaken.

With the tests completed I heard nothing from The Walton Centre and called them in July and August. In spite of advising the patient appointment department of my holiday dates and contact number I received letters whilst I was away effectively telling me that I was no longer going to be offered an appointment. When I called on 5th October I was told to disregard these letters and was offered an appointment to see the consultant on 17th October.

When I saw the consultant I was shocked and dismayed that yet again none of the required test and scan data was available for assessment to provide the surgeon with an opinion. The consultant was polite but very defensive and placed responsibility on other agencies. My wife, who was present during the consultation, and I, were left feeling badly let down, worried and dismayed that this could happen again?

The consultant has requested further nerve conduction tests and an MRI scan and told me he will see me in three months time. My condition is not improving and I'm concerned that these organisational problems are adversely impacting diagnosis and treatment.