"Stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia"

Anything else?

I have now had two treatments for Trigeminal Neuralgia by Stereotactic Radiosurgery, first in 2006 and second in 2012. The first treatment was highly successful and the second became necessary after a sudden recurrence of the symptoms in 2011.

The management of the treatments by the Neurosurgery Day-Care Unit was exemplary. It was well-coordinated by the professions involved, with the emphasis at all times being on patient care.

The only worry that I have is about the 'after-care', particularly the review of progress by the panel of consultants. In my case, the stated review time was not met and I only got to see them many monthgs later after a major recurrence of symptoms and a direct approach to the administrative unit.

I realise that the Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit is under some presssure and that demand exceeds supply in relation to appointments with the panel. However, when a promise has been given to a patient as to the timescale for review, the patient should be notifieed if the expected time cannot be met. That could be achieved quite easily by establishing a simple 'bring-forward system' in the admin unit. Any IT system could deal with that and patient satisfaction would improve tremendously.