The process was very convoluted and wasteful involving many people. Money could be saved if this was improved.
The GP told his secretary I needed a scan. She sent me a letter containing a password asking me to book via the Devon Access and Referral Team. I rang them and they offered me appointments either at a hospital 30 minutes drive away or another 45 minutes away.
When I asked for an appointment at the major hospital 5 minutes walk away they could not do this. They told me they would contact this hospital (the Royal Devon and Exeter) and I would then hear - they were unsure whether this would be by letter or phone.
I then got a letter from my hospital of choice asking me to ring and make an appointment. I rang and made the appointment which was then confirmed with me by letter.
So this involves 3 letters and 3 or more people plus significant delay between the GP and the appointment being made. Multiply this by the number of people attending hospital and this system represents a lot of waste. Like most people these days I use email - why can't the NHS do so?
I would also add that I discovered at the end of this process that I needed to attend with an empty stomach and full bladder so a 45 minute drive would have been impossible!
"Booking an appointment for an ultrasound scan"
About: Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Devon Access and Referral Team (DART) Exeter EX1 1PQ Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / General medicine Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) General medicine EX2 5DW
Posted by HazelR (as ),
Responses
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Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 10 years ago
See more responses from Devon Access & Referral Team (DART)
Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 10 years ago
Update posted by HazelR (the patient) 10 years ago
See more responses from Gemma Smith
See more responses from Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford)