'Hospitals can't rely on the postal system'

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/2337518 ... al-system/

I read today's Andy Winter column about Royal Mail with interest.

A friend of mine who is elderly has mobility issues. He lives in Portslade and had an appointment at Worthing Hospital yesterday, March 6.

There was some doubt as to whether he would be able to get hospital transport and public transport would involve three bus journeys taking up to two hours.

He had phoned the number on the letter that he had received for confirmation but could get no reply. I, therefore, drove him to his appointment.

Only 30 minutes after I had dropped him he asked me to go and pick him up.

His appointment had been cancelled.

When he arrived home, good news, the cancellation letter had arrived. It was dated February 28 and post marked March 1. It had arrived on March 6, five days later.

It appears that hospitals don’t use emails or contact patients by phone.

Clearly, hospitals can no longer rely on our postal system when contacting patients.

[enskied]

No one can rely on the mail now, not only hospitals, solicitors, courts, banks, utilities.
The list is endless.

And they still force ahead the ridiculous revisions!

OFCOM should be scrapped.

[heraldmoth]

I’ve said for a long time the nhs chooses to send via downstream access, you get what you pay for im afraid

[BenacreNick]

Absolutely, the NHS use DSA, which is roughly a 5 day service.

A simple adjustment to 2C, could save a lot of hassle.

[Mr Rush]

I've seen hospital letters with 'first class' handwritten on them but DSA franked. Overdue bank statements are another complaint incorrectly leveled at us - the middle-men sit on them for a week.

[guardianangel]

No they cant 6 walks left in my office today and yesterday,and yes nhs letters left in there,wtf is ofcom.

[grchpo]

No they cant 6 walks left in my office today and yesterday,and yes nhs letters left in there,wtf is ofcom.

So why are you worrying, it's not your problem

[Tman]

Absolutely, the NHS use DSA, which is roughly a 5 day service.

A simple adjustment to 2C, could save a lot of hassle.

Many NHS trusts phone to arrange an appointment with the patient, then confirm later by letter.
Saves costs and time, and seems strange that the OP's Trust (allegedly) don't.

[enskied]

Absolutely, the NHS use DSA, which is roughly a 5 day service.

A simple adjustment to 2C, could save a lot of hassle.

You miss the point. It doesn't matter which way you access the the pipeline via mail now. It will not be delivered within the USO.

Thompson made a big deal at the committee hearing. " Customers want to buy at midnight and get their parcel next day" something like that.

But that is exactly what a first class stam was on a letter.

[guardianangel]

No they cant 6 walks left in my office today and yesterday,and yes nhs letters left in there,wtf is ofcom.

So why are you worrying, it's not your problem

Im not worrying just think its a travesty that ofcom have the right to fine them but sit back and do nothing while people miss important appointments sometimes live saving treatment,not worrying just making a point there is a difference.

[wallan]

Absolutely, the NHS use DSA, which is roughly a 5 day service.

A simple adjustment to 2C, could save a lot of hassle.

Many NHS trusts phone to arrange an appointment with the patient, then confirm later by letter.
Saves costs and time, and seems strange that the OP's Trust (allegedly) don't.

Local NHS Trust arrange appointment by phone , confirm by Email , any changes to appointment by Email

[masterblaster]

You can't rely on hospitals now.