"Wonderful clinical treatment - terrible..."

I cannot fault the clinical treatment I have so far received.

Apart from the obvious care and consideration, the department is splendidly organised; an overwhelming number of patients are seen and treated.

But the general administration is horrific.

The system is totally antiquated and not fit for the 21st century.

To quote my experience.

The original referral, last April for a hip replacement operation was sent to Bognor - from where I retrieved it after being shunted through three departments.

I have been told untruths as to where my referral is in the system, promised timings which did not materialise or were irrelevant: eg. "possibly October" "before Christmas for sure, (some hope now)" or the suggestion,"Why not go privately" etc. Eventually after a lot of pressure on my part, I was offered the date of 12 December (18) which I took, only to have it cancelled with only half a day’s notice.

I think this is disgraceful and takes no account of the organisation of after-care, coping with the pain, or the stress of trying to ensure one is mentally prepared for such a challenge. This is especially so if one lives alone -which I do. What is the point of a clinically excellent hospital if everything surrounding it is in chaos?

I advise anyone else caught in this web, to complain in writing at the highest level, and ensure that you receive a reply and that it is appropriate. - be watchful.

The quoted aim (on the website) of the Western Sussex Hospitals Foundation Trust is

"Giving West Sussex residents a comprehensive service they can rely on."

Perhaps this is a jest!

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