"Terrible appointment service"

I was booked into hospital for a stent change due to take place in April 2012.

I received the appointment, but no pre-op appointment had been arranged so I phoned to explain that this was needed because at the last surgery I had been informed we were to discuss my stent change at the next pre-op.

The lady I spoke to said they had an emergency op required, and could she cancel mine to arrange a pre-op? Yes I said. What a mistake.

I waited four weeks and still no new appointment arrived so I phoned, got transferred to the surgeon's secretary, where I was assured an appointment will be made. Following week still nothing so I phoned again, answerphone so I left a message. Two days later no call so I phoned again, answerphone and another message. This has now been carrying on for a further 6 weeks.

The answerphone is now full and will not take any more messages and calls to the general appointments desk have resulted in an email being sent to this secretary and postit notes attached to her screen. Still no appointment.

Today I have tried again and got the full up answerphone so it's letter time. First one to Andrew Lansley and copy to my MP, perhaps they can get this service to do something.