"Cancellation of Podiatry appointment"

I attended Horsham Hospital for a podiatry appointment today. On entering the Hospital I was called on my mobile and informed that today's podiatry appointment had been cancelled as the podiatrist wasn't in today. There was no clear explanation as to why. I went to the podiatry reception and asked to re-book, which was done. I asked why it was left so late to cancel my appointment, the receptionist told me that sometimes the podiatrist would inform one of the managers of her absence but it didn't always filter through to reception staff. Not good enough, I had a wasted journey. I am a student and I had to cancel an appointment which was part of my course, to attend this one. I came by train, but the receptionist told me there was no hope of reimbursement of my train fare, and that not even the staff get this. As patients we are constantly reminded to attend appointments and of the consequences of not turning up or arriving late, and yet there is no come back for the patient for when the professionals fail to turn up. Extremely disappointed at the lack of concern for patient inconvenience.