Having worn a 24hr heart monitor (for the second time, because the details/results were lost the first time) a diagnosis of Bradycardia (slow heart beat) was forthcoming and a referal to cardiology service at Sandwell General Hospital was made. An appointment was received for 8 weeks time, understandable delay as the nhs is so busy these days.
Three weeks before this appointment was due I was admitted to Sandwell hospital with Atrial Fibrilation (thats two heart conditions in one for me now) . Having received excellent treatment in A+E and on the medical ward it was decided that my existing cardiology appointment would be ideally timed to decide on future treatment and review the new drugs that were prescribed.
One week before the appointment was due I recieve a cancellation letter , no explanation, no resoning, no alternative appointment just 'unfortunately your appointment has been cancelled'. This is not the most helpful of news considering:
1. A continuing potentially life changing heart condition and been told to avoid stress
2. Beginning a new anti-coagulant drug regime which needs timely review.
As good as the contact centre staff are at handling calls they had no information to supply to me and I am completely in the dark as to the timescales of my continuing treatment. Would it not be a good idea to give patients a valid reason for this sort of thing. Being kept in the dark and allowed to worry oneself into an early grave is not exactly what I would call 'good customer service'
"Follow up care appointment systems"
About: Sandwell General Hospital / Accident and emergency Sandwell General Hospital Accident and emergency West Bromwich B71 4HJ Sandwell General Hospital / Cardiology Sandwell General Hospital Cardiology B71 4HJ
Posted by Patient Pete (as ),
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