It's a week now since I was referred to the hospital so I have set aside today to find out what's happening about my appointment. I am now hearing stories of neighbours who have been on out patients waiting lists for months, or in some cases for years. If I can have a rough timescale I think I'll feel better.
One of the few positives from my cancer treatment in 2013 is that after a year of hospital visits I know my way round the system. First stop is the appointments clerk. I know there used to be two of them who answer the phones. One number for first appointments and the other for follow ups. I managed to lay my hands on an internal phone directory for the hospital in 2013. The names may have changed but hopefully the direct dial numbers are the same. I then discover the first thing that has changed over the years. There is now an automated system where I reserve a place in the queue and they will call me back. I'm number 27 with a 50 minute estimated call back time. Unless there are now 2 clerks I don't see how they can answer a query in under 2 minutes. I reckon it'll be 2 hours so I go and get on with the housework.
I get a call back just over two hours later and discover that they are currently scheduling Maxillofacial surgery appointments for patients referred in March 2025 so I can expect an appointment around February next year. So my next stop is the Service Desk Operator for the clinic as they used to be the quickest way to get through to the department. She answers straight away and I find out more details. I've already been through my triage review, there isn't a cancellation list and I can't go to another hospital.
So next call is the Consultant's secretary. Tell her the infection has returned so please can she arrange for one of the team to review my file. She says yes, but it won't be till next week. I'm happy with that but to my surprise she calls back late afternoon. The review is done and it'll now be a maximum of 8 weeks for an appointment. If the antibiotics don't work I'm to ring the dentist and ask for an Expedite Request Form to be completed. That'll get the wait down to a maximum 2 weeks.
I'm pretty pleased with myself and feel like a celebration. Open the fridge door and look longingly at a wine bottle, which is sadly off limits with antibiotics. Settle for a glass of water instead.
