"My family experienced in March ..."

What I liked

My family experienced in March 10 some illness so attended the GP who referred the patient to the consultant , it took 17 weeks before seeing the consultant despite calling several times to bring foward the appointment and even going back to the GP without success either. When we finally saw the consultant I was far from impressed with the service . still more test are needed and an extra 5 weeks to wait before seeing the consultant again so hopefully a dignose is found and treatment begins.I asked why to wait 5 weeks to see again the consultan. Answer I do not make the waiting lists. I was shocked

I would like to know:

a) how is assess the priority of the GP referal

b)if tests carry out were non conclusived why the extra tests cannot be done before seeing the consultan to save time and once seeing the consultant treatment start

c) why the appointments are sent by post risking to loose letter and missing appointment and waste of money using the post when you are at the hospital and they can give it to you. We are computized so why the ordinary post?

As a tax payer there seems to be a waste of money.

I noticed a certificate of excellence My thoughts were if what I just experienced with my relative gives this hospital a certificate of excellence I thread to think what a hospital of non excellence will be. I have to say L&D with his excellence Certificate is not better than a third world country hospital.

I would appreciate some answers to my questions

Thanks for your time I hope it will be less than 18 weeks target to be answered

What could be improved

refer to main part