"Urology department"

Accompanied my husband to an appt at this dept.

This was a follow up appt to review medication and its effect on the problem. No other procedures were required we simply required to speak with the consultant.

After we had waited half an hour after our appt time I asked what the delay was.

The receptionist informed that it was an ‘open’ clinic and that the waiting time could be up to four hours. I asked her to explain this to me. She referred me to a member of nursing staff who explained that it was a one stop clinic meaning that urology patients who required tests or procedures could have them done in one day so that they didn't need to have a series of appointments for various tests which sounds like a good idea except that it hasn't been properly organised and even people who only need a short appt with the consultant are kept waiting for hours while other patients have tests and procedures carried out which ate not scheduled beforehand. I understand that 4 patients are given the same appt time with no prior knowledge of what time they may need or what tests are to be done? It doesn't make sense.

Mu husband has a neurological condition which affects his mobility and balance. He has problems with temoersture control. We were in a small room with no lights on no ventilation and only jugs of lukewarm water to drink. My husband was extremely uncomfortable in the chair he had was far too hot and in some pain from sitting. Having arrived for our appt at 10am I was then advised that We would not be seen till 11.30. Why was I given an appt for 10? We were advised that we could go for a walk or for tea my husband has mobility issues so not a great solution.

We were finally seen just before 12 our consultation was rushed taking less than 5 mins. The doctor was dismissive short with me  and clearly did not have time to answer the questions I was asking  He ended the meeting by standing  up and moving to the door while we were still seated and I was still talking 

I left the consultation confused about what was going on with my husband no idea about what tests were to be done and why and generally felt that the whole experience was depersonalising and demoralising. I feel we were treated without respect I am appalled at the standards of communication and patient care in this hospital. Having had cause to complain on more than one occasion about more than one department I believe there is a culture of disregard for patients and that the communication and administration of patient services is completely unacceptable.

My husband has a very serious condition and I feel yet again let down by this hospital and very anxious that I had no confidence in his heath care provision.