"Exhausting a valuable professional department"

Anything else?

My follow up apt in Rheumatology.had been put back from Sept. 2012 to Feb 2013. In that time I had had quite a relapse in my health and extreme stress at work which exacerbated my symtoms.My apt had been for 2.20. but they were running over an hour and half behind time. Many waiting patients were having to walk up and down in order to ease their symptoms. Many were discussing the lack of Dr.s. over the past 6 months. The Consultant was absolutely wonderful recognising my relapse and despite the hour ensured that I was listened to .. a steroid was now neccesary due to my symptoms and further blood tests as my levels felt depleted.I did feel guilty taking up Dr.s time as he had so many patients still waitng. C.M.Rheumatology Department has got such a good reputation. The whole nursing team work so well together too . Despite your pain anguish or upset they will help, advise and have a smile for you good teamwork with a very experienced knowledgable Consultant at the helm. So why is there a lack of Registrars?house doctors? Lets hope we don't end up loosing an asset to the hospital.!! Concerned with my health I was asked to return in 4 months..... yes you guessed ,my next apt. would be ....Sept 2013!! another 7 months not 4.

My question is... you have a wonderful department at C.Middx that needs to be properly.. resourced in order to remain at such a 'good standard' and patients need to be seen when it is requested they be seen. Can Management look at staffing, patient waiting times for scheduled and new apts.We need our Rheumatology dept back as it was.