"how three human errors occurred leaving me waiting for four months for an ENT appointmentt"

March 2019, I saw an a member of the clinical staff at my GP's surgery as appointment with GP not possible. I already suffer with Tinnitus, but now developed a new symptom of beating in one ear, but which is not synchronised with my heartbeat.

It is very fast, loud and distracting.

I asked this person  to inform my GP that I would like an ENT referral. They did not give me any advice, information, look into my ear, take my blood pressure, or make an physical contact with me.

Their only advice was that it was nothing serious, and if I had an operation, it could damage my hearing.

As a retired nurse with 44 years of experience in a variety of settings, I was not impressed,  but waited to hear as promised, once they had spoken with my GP on my behalf.

As my symptom was persistent and having a negative impact on my mental health and well being, and I had not heard from this person,  I googled  my symptom and also phoned the British Tinnitus Association who were very helpful told me to make sure I get the ENT referral.

I spoke with the practice manager who confirmed that my GP was unaware of my request and the member of the clinical staff  was not around ( 1st human error, as they forgot to discuss my request with my GP)

As I did not have the opportunity to see my GP, I was not given the blue card for the RST and was unaware of their existence. (error number 2)

In May, as this symptom was becoming more frequent and causing me to feel low in mood, I phoned the practice and asked for the hospital where I was referred so I could chase the referral, only to find out that the referral support team (RST) in Durrington had received my referral letter at the end of March 2019, but had not forwarded my details to the ENT department. (another human error number 3)

I was angry, frustrated, exhausted and was forced to make a formal complaint to the RST in early June 2019..

I was telephoned by the RST and the person I spoke to promised to put their answers to specific questions we discussed in writing the following week, I still await the letter two weeks later. I have telephoned and left a message reminding them that I am still waiting.

I feel very disappointed and cannot understand why so many people are involved in this simple request. So far, this system calls itself a "referral support system", but who/what are they supporting?

Having dedicated 44 years of my life to helping others in need, I can't find one single professional individual who is capable of carrying out simple tasks.

It is now 6 months since this symptom developed, and I am still waiting for an appointment.