"Awful communication, and casual attitude toward…"

Referred for chronic ear pain, and concerns on vestibular disease signs. Referral took 4 months to be arranged. Two weeks before the appointment was told with less than one working day's notice that I had been booked a hearing test before my appointment, and they had not been able to inform me through other channels. I was unable to make this hearing test appointment, and so was advised to discuss it at the phone consultation with the specialist.

Then at phone consultation with the ENT specialist was told that without the hearing test they can't say anything. I was advised that I can get a private hearing test at an audiologist - why wasn't I told this weeks ago? Why was I not told I must have the hearing test before talking with the specialist? Why was I told that it's not an issue and can discuss with the specialist?

I have since just moved to Bristol, and was advised that i cannot continue my referral at Charing Cross and my only option is the restart referral through a new GP in Bristol and restart the whole process from the bottom of the list. After 4 months of pain and discomfort. I was reassured that 'my symptoms are only mild, and not a significant concern'. I would advise not getting sick in the UK, and if so try avoiding ENT issues near Charing Cross Hospital.

The ENT clinician was as helpful as she could be. It was the nurse and reception (mis)communication which made the appointment entirely unproductive, and the NHS system which ensures a further 4 months of pain and discomfort.