"Dreadful service, waste of time and money"

Was referred to Frimley Park from Wexham on a Saturday late afternoon as was told it would be quicker to see an ophthalmologist there, having already waited 2 hours at Wexham for an assessment of a scary vision issue. Despite being told I was being referred across then had to go to the bottom of the list at Frimley Park and do the same tests and assessments again. Spent 7 1/2 hours in hospital and was finally diagnosed with a partially detached retina and sat in the chair for lazer surgery when it was discovered that the machine was broken, possibly a blown bulb? Since it was now well after midnight I was given an appointment at 11am the next day and told the machine would be ready and it should be a very quick and simple procedure to sort this out.

At 10.30 the following morning I arrived to find the automatic checking in machines off (possibly not working?) directions on walls were incorrect, doors not working properly and no staff to sign people in. It quickly became apparent that I did not have an appointment, but would need to wait in line again as this was another drop-in. Same tests, same waiting as the day before, totally ignoring my previous visit. After 2 1/2 hours was told the lazer machine was not working so they were unable to do the surgery and they were unable to refer me anywhere else to do this as it was a Sunday, however the ophthalmologist felt it was very urgent I received the surgery so gave me a handwritten letter for a named ophthalmologist having apparently spoken to the team at St Thomas, London and made an appointment for 10am the next morning. I explained that I was visiting family for the weekend and do not live locally so a trip to London would be difficult and expensive and suggested that Queen Alexandra, my local hospital have a good eye department, would it be possible to have the surgery done there? She looked on the computer and said this would not be possible, I had to go to London for my appointment. She also told me I would need to fast overnight and until I had the surgery in case they wanted to use a local anesthetic. I suffered a further bleed on Sunday evening which could have been avoided with more prompt treatment.

I arranged to have the time off work the following day, paid £150 train fares to travel peak time to arrive for my 10am appointment and fasted overnight. When we arrived at 9.30 at St Thomas London it became clear that once again I was to join the queue for a walk in eye clinic, I had no appointment and the receptionist said this happens frequently. It was very busy and I was there 3 1/2 hours for the same tests etc. Then I was asked if I could come back Thursday? I explained the situation and St Thomas were great, they did the treatment straight away (no need for the fasting) and referred me to my local hospital for a follow up appointment. They did not understand why I had wasted time and money being sent to them by Frimley Park instead of straight to QA.

What a waste of time and money!