Southmead Hospital 2017-09-02 Person 5 5 0

The above is based on my experience as an outpatient at the Department of General Surgery and am pleased to award the high rating. However as an outpatient who received outpatient orthopedic treatment I would not rate my experience so highly. Initially the treatment was excellent and the lack of communication from those attending me was well covered by the pamphets and similar literature given. The intermediate appointments treatment [plaster room staff] was also commendable with friendly knowledgeable staff. The final appointment [22 June] experience was marred by over a two hour wait beyond the stated time. It would have been helpful had the 'receptionists' spoken with our group of waiting patients and given explanation/expectations of when we might have our consults. When finally seen it was admittedly well managed by the consultant and I was discharged, However when I queried the continued wearing of the ROM boot it appeared that the advice would be given by physiotherapists - I assumed from what was said that I should have had some contact with them earlier. In the event the consultant indicated that he would refer me to the physio's to complete my rehabilitation and would also write to my GP. I requested a copy of that letter but it was not sent but my GP supplied one dated 28 June which confirmed the physio referral - I had received no referral appointment by mid July which led my GP to write to the orthopedics team to chase this. It is now early September and there has been no further contact from either Ortho or Physio. I now manage my own rehabilitation in consultation with my GP and 'internet' So on that basis I would only rate as 3* the 2nd, 3rd & 4th categories above.