"Booking with Lincoln Appointments Department"

Very angry and concerned for my daughter's health.

I was trying to book a podiatry appointment for my daughter. The referral letter directed me to phone a number to book. The number was not answered for the three days I was trying for. The message on the phone said that noone could take my call and I could not leave a message so should ring back later.

The letter indicated that the referral would be cancelled if I did not respond within ten days of the date on the letter. The letter had taken seven days to reach me so I was very worried that the referral would be cancelled and I had waited a long time for the opportunity to see a doctor to obtain the referral in the first place.

I phoned my GP surgery to ask for advice and was told to google the clinic but there was no direct dial number available.

The phone was finally answered and I was told that I was ringing the wrong number. This was the only number given on the letter and was clearly printed in large bold type as the number to ring. No apology was made for the error but the person that answered allowed me to book the appointment. I was given the correct number in case of changes but no explanation as to why I had a letter with an out of date phone number on it.

I am happy now my daughter has an appointment booked but feel that the issue with the number should be looked at to prevent incorrect information being sent to patients in future.

Kind regards.