"Poor communication"

In addition to my comments above, I must say that Southend Hospital has communication problems in other areas as well. I made an appointment online for a consultation (for the stomach, not the ear). Turning up at the appointed time I was told by the receptionist that the time I was given was not actually an appointment and was given the inevitable 'We get back to you' (they haven't so far). Trying to get through to speak to someone is virtually impossible and also expensive - the NHS has no right to charge a premium phone rate - it should be free.

Some of the medical staff are from overseas and have poor English language skills. A doctor is supposed to have a rating of seven on the IELTS scale. The doctor who saw me after a long wait was a five at best and possibly lower. There is no way this doctor was a seven. (How do I know? - I was an IELTS examiner for five years) On a previous occasion I was shouted at by someone giving me an eye-test by someone who was having problems communicating in English. When I walked into the consultation room I noticed on their computer a website for IELTS revision. The doctor was learning English on their work-shift and was obviously frustrated when I was having trouble with the eye-drops. The test was completed, but a few days later I was asked to come in for another test, this time carried out by a different opthalomologist, with no problems. (Subsequently eye-tests are carried out at a different location). I am concerned because mistakes are easily made and communication is at a premium.

Just a reminder - when you tell a patient you are going to ring back - RING BACK!