"I wish I could say that I had ..."

What I liked

I wish I could say that I had already received my treatment, but having been referred to the Churchill back in October 08, I am STILL waiting for a date for my operation. The nurse specialist who I've seen twice at the hospital has seemed to be in the midst of a nervous breakdown on both occasions. Initially, she put another patient's stickers on my notes (I had to point out her error, otherwise the other patient would have been given my medication by mistake). She then proceeded to discuss another patient's personal details to herself as she was redoing their notes as she had forgotten to finish them whilst she should have been assessing me, thereby making a mockery of patient confidentiality.

Additionally, while I am waiting for my op, I have to take medication to stabilise my condition which has very unpleasant side effects. When I raised this with the specialist nurse concerned, instead of listening to my concerns, she said that to her knowledge, the medication shouldn't cause the symptoms I outlined, even thought they are listed in the leaflet which came with the medication! She then added that it was probably just my age, (I'm in my early 40's!) even though I had never had these symptoms prior to taking the medication. I also had to make a strong case to her to be seen by the consultant - who I was originally referred to see by my GP - the nurse specialist didn't think it necessary - however, I was vindicated as the consultant also suspected another condition which the nurse specialist had missed.

So, six months on, I am STILL waiting to be given a date for an operation which I was initially told it would be done within 3 months. Meanwhile, I have no option but to continue to take the medication which is causing me so many problems - either that, or I could end up critically ill. NHS claim that people will be treated within 18 weeks - rubbish.

Oh, it's dirty too, so maybe I have MRSA to look forward to when the time eventually comes!

What could be improved

When I have asked why I am having to wait so long, it would be nice not to be repeatedly told that if I want it done any quicker, I will have to pay as a private patient. I cannot afford it, and even if I could, is it really OK to make waiting lists so long that people mortgage their houses just so they can regain their health?

Anything else?

I would guess that the Churchill is just one of many hospitals plagued by incompetent management and cuts to NHS funding. Get rid of the vastly overpaid managers who, let's face it, don't do a great job and get more nurses and consultants in the hospitals to TREAT people.

GRRR, I could moan about the NHS all night......