"Dissapointed with appointment system and Dermatology Dept"

My Auntie was seen at the dermatology clinic by the Consultant, she was asked to return in six weeks to be commenced on medication. Six weeks came and went she heard nothing, when she chased with the booking team she was told she could not be booked in until the end of September 12 weeks after her original appointment, however at this point my aunt still wasn’t offered an appointment.

I emailed PALS I received an automated response stating a two day response time. On the third day still had not heard from PALS either! ! !

All the while my aunt’s skin condition deteriorating and she was struggling with everyday tasks at home. There just did not appear to be anyone willing to listen or facilitate an appointment or just someone to acknowledge she needed to be seen as soon as possible.

I contacted the dermatology consultant’s secretary who was very helpful and they had someone call me back within five minutes with an appointment for my auntie in October. 13 weeks after my auntie was initially seen. I feel very strongly if a consultant asks for a patient to be reviewed in a certain amount of time this should be facilitated in order for patients to receive the correct treatment, the patient should not suffer any longer than is necessary. Unfortunately this did not happen and my aunt did suffer whilst waiting to be seen.