Tivyside | Archive | 2003 | January | 15
From the Tivyside Advertiser, first published Wednesday 15th Jan 2003.
Dear Editor, My husband was referred to the specialist at the West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen, in November 2001. He was seen in September 2002 and was due to receive a hearing aid on January 8, 2003.
So on the coldest day of the year with icy road conditions, we two pensioners set off to get his much-needed hearing aid. Imagine his fury when told there were no hearing aids for him or another 1,000 patients as the building work that should have taken two months has lasted 10 months and taken all their money, lucky builders!
I find this 'system' of sending appointment cards where the specialist is not in a position to treat people is common. Who is to blame? The specialists? The clerks? The computers? Surely something needs to be done to stop people driving hundreds of miles for unnecessary appointments.
Is it time to attach these sort of appointments to doctors' surgeries? Anyone else who has had a similar experience should contact their MP as I have done and if you have an appointment for a hearing aid, telephone the hospital first and save yourself a journey! SALLY YEOMANS Clos Bach Cottage Abercych
© Newsquest Media Group 2008