"Poor service"

Dear Vet583

I am disappointed that you feel that TRAQS is 'absolute rubbish'.

I would like to take this opportunity to explain how TRAQS works.

TRAQS is a referral service which receives and processes all referrals for first out patient appointments from all GP practices within the Telford and Wrekin area. TRAQS contact patients to offer the Choice of attending hospitals within a 45 mile radius of their home.

We realise that not all patients are able to travel further afield to accept an earlier appointment and unfortunately we cannot offer an appointment if there are none available at the hospital a patient wishes to attend. TRAQS rely upon the hospitals to release available appointment slots. Unfortunately we are not always able to offer local appointments due to a lack of capacity at local hospitals which may be unable to meet the demand. Patients wishing to attend a local hospital with no current capacity are advised that they will be placed on a waiting list and that the hospital will contact them when they are able to offer an appointment date.

I am sure that you can appreciate that this is outside TRAQS control as hospitals manage their own waiting lists. We are aware that our local hospitals are working very hard setting up extra clinics and I hope that you will soon receive an appointment at the hospital of your Choice.

Thank you again for sharing your comments with the TRAQS team as we appreciate all feedback whether positive or negative as it helps us to develop our service further for the benefit of patients.