"My mother of 82 was referred to ..."

What I liked

My mother of 82 was referred to this hospital after the anaesetic queried a problem with her heart whilst on the operating table for a hip replacement, It took over a month to get an appointment, after numerous telephone calls at great expense to get letters faxed, re-faxed and faxed again. When she did see a consultant, her condition was said to be acceptable and she was discharged saying they would contact her doctor by letter and confirm their findings. i.e. fit to have operations. A month on and no letter has been received. My mother was contacted on Friday by her surgeon saying they would have to cancel an operation due this Thursday unless they received this very important letter by TODAY. What is the administration like in the Cardio department. Can noone write a letter or sign a letter. I thought hospitals had a duty of care to respond to referrals. My mother needless to say is distraught is she just to old now for you to care about. Someone is not doing there job properly and should be investigated.

What could be improved

The administration section of the Cardio department definately needs to be overhauled. What is the point of consultants and doctors making referals if letters cannot be traced. You have guidline to adhere to from the government to see people in a certain time, if you kept a better track on your letters in and out perhaps you may go part of the way to achieving this.