"Telephone review with dietician"

I had a telephone appointment - a review - with one of the dieticians from Dietetics Acute Service from Ulster Hospital.

I was informed of this appointment, by letter, one month in advance.  The letter was clear, but impersonal and quite terse.

The letter informed me that the call would call from an 0800 number.  However, that turned out not to be the case, it showed as 'Private Number' on my phone.  This played a part in me missing the call, so I rang the department and the Dietician kindly phoned me back, and our consultation took place.  I pointed-out how 'Private Number' or 'Unknown' number could mean patients blocking or avoiding such calls, meaning missed (telephone) appointments, and said this should be fixed.

The dietician also pointed-out that their name was wrong on the letter - because details on letters are often not updated, and errors corrected.

These apparently minor things should be resolved, as they all add to inefficiencies and needlessly missed appointments and various other extra work.

The consultation, itself, was fine.  The Dietician was pleasant, helpful and informed, asked what felt like relevant and important questions, and had clearly familiarised herself with my background and situation.

She also said she felt I would be a useful candidate for supplements (for gut-health) available by participating in a programme, and she followed this up as she said she would, so, I thank her for doing as she said she would do.

She also encouraged me not to be shy about contacting and reminding other (senior) clinicians about concerns and about feeling in-limbo due to waiting-lists, etc, especially when I was only wanting updates and telephone consultation.

Given the COVID situation, this appointment may previously have been done in-person, but it was entirely appropriate by telephone, perhaps actually better this way - once we had resolved the admin issues.

I hope this feedback is helpful.  Take care and stay safe, all.