"Shambolic Ophthalmology Service"

Newham Hospital/Ophthalmology Department is supposed to be monitoring my eyes for ocular hypertension. Actually getting this service/treatment has, so far, proved very difficult due to inexcusably shambolic provision. An example of the shambolic service is, my turning up for an appointment on 30th August. The appointment was cancelled by the department on the day - the specialist didn't turn up. I and fellow patients were assured a new appointment would be arranged before the end of the week. That did not happen for me. I don't know about the others. Several weeks later I received a letter telling me my appointment of 30th August 'is' (sic) cancelled, 'due to unforeseen circumstances'. A new appointment of 16th October was stated in that letter. Two days later I got another letter informing me that, 'due to unforeseen circumstances', the appointment of 16th October is cancelled and the new appointment is for 1st December. I have very little confidence in the service and I am anxious about the consequences of the incompetence described. That is not the only example of problems with appointments and the obvious inability of the hospital department to provide its service. I have also experienced problems with the prescription and issuing of medication. Based on my experience I would advise others to avoid, if possible, using the Newham General Hospital Ophthalmology Department; such action might, after all, be doing them a big favour.