"Haematology visit"

I visited the new QE2 haematology department for a routine blood test.

I was informed immediately that there would be at least a 2 hour wait.

The reception staff throughout my wait were polite and calm as new patients came in and they had to explain and apologise for the imminent delay.

Some patients decided to try elsewhere or to come back at a later date.

People in the waiting room did talk amongst themselves about 'surely there must be a better system.'

When I eventually got to see the phlebotomist she was kind and reassuring, I'm nervous about blood tests, and totally professional.

It was after 4pm by this time and she was now the only phlebotomist working.

There were still several people in the waiting room and she assured me she would be working until she had seen each one.

I was so impressed with her dedication and thought that this is the NHS at it's best.

However, how on earth did it happen that I had to wait 2 hours to be seen.

A lady in the waiting room had said to me that this wait time is a regular occurrence unfortunately.

Surely there HAS to be a better system.

Data must be available for patient numbers using the Haematology department and staffing required.

Comments please.