"Mess not heard of"

I was referred to Kingston Hospital for a polyp removal by GP at the end of March. I had to chase a several times for my appointment as the appointment letter was never sent out. At the end I was offered an appointment in a clinic in Hampton Court. I informed the team straight away that I go into shock during the gynaecological procedures. The doctor who saw me was not aware of this and sent me back to Kingston Hospital for colposcopy as she did not have time and facilities to treat me if I go into shock. I had to make a several phone calls and none of the departments knew what was going on. At the end I saw a consultant at colposcopy department. The consultant was excellent.

I was referred for a polyp removal and smear test under general anaesthetic. I went for a pre-assessment on 1.08 only to be told that the consultant is on holiday and the operation on 10. 08 was cancelled and offered me appointment on 4.08 which I took I was sent for a procedure without an appointment letter and had to make a few phone calls to make sure that this would be going ahead as system was showing only cancelled appointment. On 4.08 when I woke up I was told there was no polyp and I need to go for an urgent colposcopy.

I was not given any explanation why this is needed and what actually happened. I was given an appointment on 21.08 which was cancelled and changed to 21.08. On the day – the consultant was not aware of what happened earlier as the file was not up to date and he had to check the computer records. 15 minutes later I was told the procedure is not needed as the results from 4.08 came back as normal. I was advised to see the consultant in one year – but this was not reflected on the letter I got so now I am back to a square one chasing all departments to change my letter so I do not need to go through this hell again next year. The consultants and nurses are lovely but the administration personnel specially at gynaecology department most of the time are not helpful and want to transfer callers to the different department even though they should be dealing with it. The communication and organisation within gynaecological department is very poor.

This cost me a lot of stress, sleepless nights. I think this needs to improve asap.