ON Wednesday, May 13, I tried to contact the hospital by telephone in order to cancel an appointment that I had. I wanted to do this so that somebody could be slotted in instead as I have been aware of patients not turning up for their appointments and how frustrating it must be for the doctors.

I rang the freephone number that was on my appointment card. The telephone rang. I was told that there was a queue and I was fourth in line. I waited and waited, getting more frustrated by the minute. Fifteen minutes later, I gave up.

Thursday morning I tried again, the same number; after about five minutes I was informed that I was speaking to the wrong department and to ring the switchboard. I was then quite quickly put through to the appropriate section where I waited and waited, probably for another eight to 10 minutes.

A pleasant lady took my call and the appointment was cancelled. I then explained that I had been on the phone for around 25 minutes just to cancel my appointment and that it was a ridiculous situation.

How many others have tried to cancel and given up in frustration? She saw the point that I was making and asked if I would like to speak to the patient liaison officer as this frequently happens and that people in her position get the brunt of others’ frustration.

I was put through – where the whole procedure started again. I waited and waited and waited, probably for 15 minutes. Just what is the point, I thought, and put the phone down.

Over the weekend I have brewed on this and yes it does matter. Where was the liaison officer or the secretary?

Next time I go to the hospital and see that so many appointments are missed I shall wonder how many had tried to cancel and gave up in frustration.

I could say that it was only a cancellation, but then the doctor could be wondering what type of person makes an appointment and doesn’t turn up.

DE JOSEPH, Tump Lane,Much Birch, Hereford