"Just Go Private"

Anything else?

This is the first time i have ever used a blog to complain about anything, but feel I must now. Quite simply..... just pay for private. Tore my mensicus on xmas eve, was told id have surgery boxing day, which was the cancelled as the surgeon was on holiday. Didnt receive surgery till nearly February. When I had a mensicus repaired (4 months ago), was given crutches and a leg brace and sent on my way. The next day I was back in the hospital as the bandages and brace had been applied incorrectly. That mistake I can accept but the shear lack of customer service from the department is where I feel so badly treated. No customer service, no follow ups, everything take "6-8 weeks", just an inability to help patients. Rang to speak the specialist regarding pain in the area, no-one ever came back to me, which turned out to be a re-tear and resulted in me being hospitalised again. After waiting 4 weeks for another MRI Scan and was then told it'd be another 6-8 weeks for the results. (luckily i know someone at the hospital that told me what had happened and how serious it was). Why the hospital cant employ someone to follow up after operations on a monthly basis is beyond me. A little customer care can help. Why you cant speak to a specialist is also beyond me, i mean a 5 minute telephone call isnt a lot to ask, perhaps a secretary could assist. The MRI Scan was reported on nearly instantly, why cant someone just ring you with a brief report instead of making you nervous and wait for "6-8 weeks". It just smacks to me of "we dont care" and "once your out the door your not our problem". The actual nurses and surgeons are fantastic and did a cracking job on the actual surgery. For that I am truly grateful. However the admin side and where the real customer services comes in (i.e.paperwork and follow up) is full of pass-on's, grumpiness, dont care attitudes, shoddy service and someone will call you back. The only time you get anywhere is if you complain about the service. The nicer you are the worse you are treated and the further down the pile you go!! Just feel very let down by the NHS on this occasion and as a result have suffered physically.