"Shocked and disappointed !"

I attended Doncaster Hospital last Friday for a 9.15am appointment in the Opthalmicmic Department.

After seeing a nurse, we were directed to wait in the corridor until the next appointment with the consultant.

Three hours later, we enquired how long it would be before our consultation would take place.....................apparently, there were three other people with the same surname (different Christian names) and this presented confusion.

When we finally entered the consulting room we were told that we had been called six times - I don't think so - I was listening for my name and it wasn't called, but they must have known we were there because I had undergone a test at 9.30am

Mild apologies were given and then I underwent the examination by the consultant.

I am not going to go into my opinion of that at this stage, which is not high, but I wish to record my disappointment regarding lack of communication skills.

I was given a prescription and instructions how and when to use the medicine.

This was delivered in such a fast way, I had difficulty in grasping the instructions, but thought I would be able to follow them when I got my medicine.

I also gained the impression that I had taken up enough time.

There was the consultant, an optician, and a male nurse in the room and not one of them instructed me to go to the Pharmacy in the hospital to receive my medicine.

As this was the first visit to Doncaster Hospital, I was totally unfamiliar with procedures - however, it would have been such an easy thing to make sure and tell me.

I am 82 years of age, I was fatigued with the long wait in a corridor, and a little more help and attention would have been welcome.

I got home and tried to get the prescription filled at the chemist, which was impossible - a 50 mile round trip to Doncaster was necessary, but for the help of my wife who 'phoned Bassetlaw and they were able to provide two out of three of the items - another trip to Bassetlaw was necessary.

Fortunately, I have help at hand and someone to guide and help negotiate hospital protocol (or lack it of in this case) I fear for other aged people who have to get by alone.

It is so depressing - is this all we can expect?