To put in a complaint?

[SpoonieMum21]

I am under the gynaecology department at the hospital and on the waiting list for an operation for periods that are actually ruining my life (suspected endometriosis).

I am now having worsening PMS symptoms to the point where I struggle to function for 1-2 weeks before my period every month with severe fatigue, really bad nausea, pelvic pain, joint pain and just generally feeling unwell like I’ve got the flu or something. I solely care for my disabled daughter so this is having a real impact on my daily life.

I have tried ringing the secretary several times a week for the last month and leaving voicemails, my GP has written to them also and not one single phone call or voicemail has been returned despite the recorded message saying that the inbox is checked twice daily.

AIBU to think that this just isn’t good enough and to put in a complaint?

I know that the hospitals are extremely busy and I’m not expecting an appointment straight away, but AIBU to think that not even returning a phone call or sending out a letter within a month period is taking the mick slightly?

I am aware that my pain, discomfort and generally feeling rubbish might be clouding my judgment which is why I’m posting on here for other people’s opinions!

TIA 💐

I can’t really tell how long you have been waiting, but if it is a month that seems fairly typical I think?

@Muchof a month to return a phone call from the secretary?

My friend sent a recorded delivery letter to the hospital about a long awaited appointment and received no reply. She even included an SAE. (Stamped Addressed Envelope - to herself).

She rewrote the letter and delivered it by hand somehow managing to get to the door of the right office. She got her appointment.

@Mosaic123 that sounds like a good idea. I don’t live too far from the hospital so if she doesn’t ring me back I might resort to this!

What do you want a phone call for though? You want an appointment not a phone call from a secretary, I am not sure it would help anybody for resources having to be used up on phoning people that have been referred. As I say though, it really does depend on how long you have been waiting and if it is only a months that seems pretty standard.

Yes I would complain to PALS. They usually reply pretty quickly. This may or may not result in your surgery being brought forward but at least you will know where you stand.

@Muchof it’s the secretary who books the appointment so I need to speak to her to actually get one. My GP has also written into them and they have heard nothing back either. This has been going on for a couple of years now back and forth.