I honestly don't know what I'm supposed to do

[LegendaryReady]

GP has asked me to get a chest xray and sent the phone number for the central booking line.

I have now tried for three days straight (Th/F/M, not over the weekend) and have been on hold for a total of 8.5 hours according to my phone record. I've tried various times of day during their opening hours.

You're in a queue for about 20 mins then it says unable to connect and cuts you off.

I've gone back to GP and asked if there's any way they can just make me an appointment and I'll arrange to be there whenever it is or if they get someone to contact me, but they couldn't be less interested in trying to help.

Where do I go next?

GP's office told me they've sent my referral, so obviously do have a way to contact the dept, which is why I was hoping they might try and contact them on my behalf. I know they're busy, but so am I and they are supposed to be there to get patients the care they need.

I was supposed to go for an MRI. I rang 110 times and couldn't get through. In the end I drove 40 miles to the hospital and asked to speak to them they said they only had one phone for the whole department!!!

If it’s at a hospital, call or email their PALS - this has done the trick for me a few times.

Contact PALS and get their advice/assistance? Phone switchboard and ask if they have a different number for x-ray booking?

Ring the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to the X ray department and try that way? If that doesn't get you anywhere I would be tempted to go to the hospital and turn up in the X ray department in person and explain that you have been trying to get an appointment.

8.5 hours on hold! That's ludicrous.

I'd suggest going in person if you are able.

Email the GP practice, explain the issue again, acknowledge that they have said they’re too busy to help you, and ask them whether you should approach PALS or the county Clinical Commissioning Group to progress the issue.

I like putting this kind of thing in writing to the GP practice. It helps me explain the issue clearly, and tends to focus their minds on the fact that I am trying to sort it but there’s a issue that I can’t resolve on my own.