"Long and stressful first chemo appointment"

My brother in law recently diagnosed with an aggressive bladder cancer. His first chemo appointment in Bristol was for Friday morning.

He had to call first to confirm this on the morning. When he called, they weren't ready and asked could he call back. This process was repeated throughout the day, finally asking him to call the next day, Saturday.

The process was continued until finally he went in after midday and was given the first part of his prescription. However when the final part was prepared for him, the nurse realised that, because of the delay, the drug was out of date and couldn't be given.

Several hours later, with still no prescription prepared, he was asked would he like to stay over and have it first thing on Sunday. To reduce the inconvenience to his family, he agreed. The hospital does work on Sunday. However the pharmacist was not there and it was midday before the prescription appeared. After the infusion started which was a long process, there was no staff there to assist when the pump stopped. There also could be long delays before they reached him to assist.

He finally was released shortly before 9:30 on Sunday evening. He still is not sure when or where his next appointment will take place. In my opinion, this is a chronicle of mismanagement in an area where patients are enduring a stressful time.