"It turned out OK in the end!"

I needed to be referred to an ENT Consultant, for an audiology problem, and my GP told me that it was now down to me to make the appointment through DART.

I duly telephoned DART, to seek an appointment and was offered appointments with all and sundry. However, I explained, I needed continuity of treatment and wished to see a specific Consultant at the RD&E. I was told by the person to whom I was speaking that that particular Consultant had no appointments available. I questioned this, asking "what never?", and was told that my notes would be sent to the RD&E who would then send me an appointment. I firstly stressed that there was no emergency, and then asked them to ensure that they put on my notes that I would be in France until late October. I also telephoned the Consultant's secretary to explain what was happening, although, she would hardly be likely to see any appointment that had been made on my behalf.

Upon my return to England, late in October, I was extremely annoyed to find that I had, in fact been sent an appointment for a day when I was still in France. Thus first thing the next day, I telephoned first, the ENT at the RD&E, (not their problem) they advised phoning "Choose and Book" which I did (again not their problem either). Eventually got through to someone in Appointments, who told me that as I hadn't turned up for the appointment I was marked as FTA (failed to attend) and struck off the Consultant's list!

I was not happy, the person to whom I spoke was most sympathetic, but said that there was nothing she could do. However, she would tell the Consultant's secretary (I said "so would I", which I did"). I also notified my GP, and then decided to telephone the DART helpline and spoke to a most helpful person, who immediately made me another appointment for which I am most grateful. But I am still concerned that I remain listed as a FTA on my notes, which does not bode well for me in the future. I am also concerned that some less "pushy" people might find the whole process difficult, and exceedingly labour intensive and just give up.

Anyway thankfully for me, the problem was resolved and a new appointment made.