Terrible service from Basildon Hospital

kazwhite21

Does anyone have an experience of Basildon Hospital rheamatology dept?

They sent me an appointment which I cannot attend in Dec, I've called to change it and the next available appointment is March 2012! I was abruptly told that the woman I was speaking to can only book my appointment for the next available slot... I asked for a phone number or email address for the clinic but was refused.

Does anyone know how I can contact the clinic?

I am supposed to be monitored as I am on Sulfasalazine...

I am keen to stop the medication anyway as it's not working and I'm pregnant. Is it safe to stop?

I'm totally fed up with this, the clinic expect you to be able to attend any appointment they send you and I work nearly full time so I'm not sure how flexible they expect me to be!?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

My plan is to book an appointment for the GP in the hope that he will be able to help me...

traluvie

Hi,

You can ring direct to the hospital switchboard and ask to be put through to the rheumatologist secretary( doctor stated in your letter) and when you get through to the secretary explain the siruation and they should be able to offer you an earlier appointment..
Let us know how you get on..

barbara12

Hi Kaz
Sorry I cant help, but that is awful treatment...and Im sorry to say it seems its becoming the norm in some places, why on earth these people think they can treat you like that is beyond me...I hope you do manage to get through to someone else....and get a much earlier appointment.

suzygirl

Can you not ring the rheumynurse helpline?? The consultants secretary should be able to help you.

Unfortunately the rheumy depts are overstretched and underfunded, so appts are few and far between.

Hope you get some results.

Poppyg1rl

Hi Kaz,
Would it be possible for you to go to your GP and explain the situation, perhaps you could be referred to Southend? My parents in law live in Benfleet, my father in law was not impressed with Basildon hospital, over his cancer treatment, so transferred to Southend which he finds much better.
Thinking of you Kaz, don't put up with this treatment, it's not fair on you.
Do let us know how you get on? Gentle hugs Xxx

Fedup

Hi Kaz

I dont know if this helps at all but looking on the Basildon & Thurrock Hospital website it says you can contact the Rheumatology day unit on 01268 524900/0845 155 3111 ext: 8461 or The secretaries on 01268 524900 / 0845 155 3111 ext 3397/8359/2267/2391.

Good luck

J x

basildonhospital

Hi

I work at Basildon Hospital and would ask that you ring our Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 01268 394440 and they should be able to help.

Many thanks
Emma

kazwhite21

Thank you everyone, I'll try and give them a call and hopefully this can get sorted out...

kazwhite21

Good news! I received another appointment through the post yesterday for December! I'm assuming it's from the secretary. If only they had told me they would send me a different one then I owuldn't have moaned so much about them!!