"Very poor assistance in locating department..."

On Monday 11th Nov I received a phone call to attend a short notice appointment at Epsom Hospital. The lady told me I had a 6.10pm (18:10hrs) in the Dermatology department. Where is it I asked. She said, "just go to the front entrance to the hospital, and ask the people on duty there." I queried this but she was adamant. I have mobility problems & am a blue badge holder, so I wished to get as close as possible to the department. We parked up in good time & walked to the front entrance of the hospital, at about 17:30hrs. the entrance was deserted, We checked the map. There is absolutely no mention of a Dermatology department on the map. We found a staff contractor from Mitie. He could not help us. We found a place on the map called SKIN. We walked there, with difficulty. No they said, we are private. You might try the building next to SWELOC. More walking!! After a marathon walk around 3/4 of the hospital we entered the building which used to be the maternity block. we went up in the lift & I found a reception that I had used once before, but for a totally different problem.

It finally turned out that this was where I should be, but at no point around this hospital was there any mention of how to find the UNMARKED Dermatology department.

So 1, the lady who phoned me, from 020 8296 4355, gave me totally the wrong information.

and 2, the wall signs around the hospital site are absolutely useless!

Once I was seen, late, my treatment was excellent. But I do not need to be seriously stressed immediately prior to being told that I have cancer!