"Just try getting an appointment...!"

I have to agree with others that have said this, trying to arrange an appointment is a real nightmare! I have been getting adequate treatment here for over 4 years, as a Mastoid patient. I need prompt treatment if there is an infection, otherwise it could worsen my condition. I have regularly had to listen to a ringing tone on the phone, for up to 2 hours at a time (sometimes multiple occasions when trying again at a later time!) when trying to get an urgent appointment. The Staff are friendly enough, but all seem to ignore the phone! I have sat in the chair, waiting for treatment while Staff ignore the phone for ages, whilst chatting about their personal lives! Why do they look after their own bookings? They obviously don't like doing it! Simple solution would be to give them their own receptionist (for dressings clinic only!) or let the Well Staffed & Organised ENT Outpatients Main Reception (just round the corner) handle the appointments? Even better would be an internet appointment system, but that is probably asking too much of an NHS under constant pressure! I have some insight as to what NHS Staff deal with on a day to day basis, having worked at the QMC myself for a few years. It's chaotic for them too! It wouldn't cost the earth to have a dedicated receptionist for appointments. How on earth they think Working people with families are supposed to use this service, I don't know? Please sort it out! Its not like we can go anywhere else! (Unless you go private of course...)