what to do if not receiving expected appointment from hospital for ds?

[maxmissie]

DS (who is nearly one) is due an MRI scan this month in relation to lump on brain - had scan in April and was advised by consultant that would need another three months later (i.e in July).

Had problems sorting out last one but won't bore you with the details!

Saw dr for checkup in May who said ring secretary at start of July to find out date of next scan. Dh rang twice last week and then again on Monday - secretary has left one msg to say haven't been able to arrange scan due to way system works being changed and that consultant on hols last week but that she will discuss with consultant and let dh know on Tues this wk. Secretary has not rung back and dh has tried to ring her again today and yesterday - her phone is permanently on voicemail.

Can't believe it is that difficult to sort this out, given that they have had three months to do so and presumably could have booked ds a slot in advance and found an anaesthetist available at the same time - would have been alot easier to do this as far in advance as poss rather than leaving it to last minute when less MRI slots available and harder to co-ordinate with anaesthetist.

We're getting really frustrated as just want ds to have the scan to get an update on the lump - constantly ringing them seems to make no difference and I have an awful feeling we will get a call the day before, like last time - not ideal due to work and possible childcare issues for dd.

Am thinking of writing to dr, not so much to complain but expressing disappointment about not being informed as to what is going on and not knowing date but at same time don't want to annoy him and also conscious that lots of other children that he is dealing with are very poorly and require more urgent attention than ds (who isn't poorly at the mo).

Sorry this is so long - any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[meltedmarsbars]

Imo Consultant secretaries often work part-time which might explain the voicemail thing. Leave another (polite) message?

Don't know what else to suggest.

[KatyMac]

Ring PALS

They will know if Sec works Part-time & then take it from there

[maxmissie]

hadn't thought about secretary working part-time, could be a possibility but her voicemail is on all the time, whenever dh rings. Doesn't explain why no update though - imo quite rude to not respond to msgs left on voicemail even if only to say don't know date yet. I work part-time (not as med sec) and manage to ring back all the people that ring me when I'm not at work.

will also try PALS if don't hear anything by
Monday.

Thanks for replies.

[TotalChaos]

I'ld try ringing switchboard, and ask to be put through to MRI department and see if they can tell you the date.

[maxmissie]

just a quick update - dh spoke to secretary today, they have sent request through to mri dept and will get a letter telling us date of scan so probably not going to be for a few weeks but at least we know it's getting sorted.