Hi everyone,

After waiting for a medical since April, I got an appointment to attend one at 9am on 23 August. As requested my husband and I arrived at the medical centre reception desk at 8.45am and were told to sit in the waiting room.

After half an hour I went back to reception to be told that the doctor had not arrived yet. The receptionist grudgingly agreed to phone ATOS and was evenually told that the doctor was stuck in traffic between Glasgow and Perth - normally a drive of approx 1 hour. I was then told to go home.

When home again I began to feel angry at having to miss this appointment due to no fault of my own, so I phoned the medical centre to ask if the doctor had arrived yet. He had not but I asked the receptionist to ask him to call me when he did arrive.

An hour later and I had heard nothing, so I phoned again. This time, I was told that he had arrived, but his list was full, and he refused to see me. I am to wait for another appointment to be sent out.

I think this is a poor show and I think that ATOS should have insisted that he see me on that date. ATOS and the doctors must surely be aware of how physically and mentally debilitating it is to actually turn up for an appointment.

My husband encouraged me to write a letter of complaint to ATOS - I just hope it does not go against me in the future

Sorry, I had to grumble.

Hope you are all having a good day.

Karen
x

Hi Karen - it's no wonder you were angry. I would've been livid too. I know exactly what you mean about how physically and mentally exhausting it is to get to an appointment, and then to be treated so badly and come away disappointed - it just too much.

Anyway, you grumble away - we're here to listen.

But however cross you are don't give up! I hope you sent a polite complaint letter, although sadly I don't suppose it will do any good. Keep persevering and keep pestering them (superbly nicely of course) - always remember that the docs don't really appreciate what you have to live with because they don't feel your pain, so you have to keep reminding them - we can always live in hope that people in responsible positions will learn to behave responsibly towards their patients.

Sylvia xx

Karen

I wonder what they would say if you wrote:-

I was unable to attend my appointment today as I was stuck in a huge traffic jam. Unfortunately after that I was too busy seeing other people who are obviously more important to me than you are. Please ask your Secretary to contact me some time in the future and I will try and fit you into my busy social diary. Obviously, in the mean time, I will expect my full wages, contributory pension and a very nice car to drive around in.

Does not sound quite so good when the boot is on the other foot does it

Jackie
xx