"telephone contact"

I have waited a long time for an initial appointment and I understand that. My follow up was cancelled and re booked but I am away on holiday at that time and need to re schedule. I have tried on so many occasions to get through but there is no reply or even an answerphone to leave a message on.

I don't want to just not turn up as nearly a year ago I visited my GP with a suspected cancerous growth on my neck. I am sensible enough to realise that probably the histology did not demonstrate something sinister but I don't know for sure.

I have tried and tried to call the number to re book and I fear if I do not re book I will be dismissed and obviously these appointment slots are precious so I don't want to waste your time either.

I guess the only way to change my appointment is by writing.

Incidentally I am a health professional myself and I have never found it easy to access your hospital by phone in my professional capacity either.

Unfortunately this is the sad story of the health service today and as I am in the Southend Hospital catchment area this sad story is likely to be repeated as we merge.

It would have been sensible to post my results to me

at least I wouldn't be worrying.