"We found it very distressing being so late because of the ambulance"

My husband, who has Parkinson’s disease and other health issues, had (after three referrals) an appointment at the Crosshouse Hospital to be fitted with compression stockings.

We had an ambulance booked for transport to take us to the hospital and bring us back home afterwards. We were told to be ready at 8: 00am for the ambulance. However, we did not get to the hospital until 11: 30am and it took us a few minutes to get to the clinic.

Miss Collins, with whom we had the appointment, was just then preparing to leave Crosshouse to go to her clinic at Ayr. My husband’s notes had already been sent back to the office as the receptionist did not think we were going to turn up.

It was very fortunate that Miss Collins went and retrieved the notes and then saw to my husband, even though this made her late for her Ayr clinic. No-one had told the clinic we would be going to the hospital by ambulance and that we were delayed.

We found it very distressing being so late and almost missing Miss Collins.

If there had been some communication between the ambulance service and the hospital departments they would have known we were delayed and could then have waited for us. The service would be very much improved if there was communication between the two.

I should add that the East Ayrshire Council is excellent. We have carers who come in four times each day, which is working reasonably well. The carers need a gold star given they only have 15 minute slots.

Also, Kirklandside Hospital is wonderful. My husband goes there once a week for treatment and they always give me a call if there is a query or problem.