Hospital never answers the phone - any tips?

[Snowybird]

Hi.
Is anyone else having problems with hospitals not answering the phone?

Hubby and I are having issues with 3 never answering and not returning voice messages and its a nightmare and so stressful.

I have a trans viginal scan booked for Monday to check status of cysts, this appointment was booked to be for d4-6 of cycle, although my normally clockwork period decided to be 2 days late this month so will prob still be bleeding on Monday. Trying to get hold of hospital to find out if will still do scan. 10 calls later and still no answer and no-one calling back.

Then hubby is trying another hospital to get a report on his frozen swimmers and same story no one answering and no returned calls.

Trying to book hsg at third hosp and same story!

Do hospitals not appreciate we have enough stress without these extra hurdles?

Sorry rant over.

 

[StephieB]

I called my hospital 47 times over 3 days to try and book in for a HSG and never got my phone answered!

I emailed PALS (patient advice and liaison service) to explain and the fertility specialist called me himself that evening. If you google your local area complaints centre or PALS and email them you'd be surprised how quick you get a response!

Hospitals are terrible for answering the phone, for my last 2 appointments ive ended up driving to the hospital on my lunch to speak to someone.

Good luck! X

 

[Snowybird]

Thanks Stephie, I will be giving PALS a try.

Am a bit worried about complaining as don't want to be labelled as difficult but am so annoyed that no-one called me back yesterday when I even said in my voice message that I wanted to know if they could still do the scan on Monday if I was bleeding.

xx