NHS Managers

We keep getting a letter to remind us that we haven't yet booked an appointment as a result of a letter advising us to do so. We haven't yet received the original letter which we need as it has a special code on it. We phone and were advised that yes this happens all the time just wait for the original letter which have been assured by our doctor is on the way. Meanwhile we have had 4 reminders to date!

No issues in the ward at the orthopaedic hospital DH had an operation in last year but the admin is atrocious! It took over a year from being told he was to have an op to it actually happening and we think it was down to the admin. Every time they screwed up we think he was put to the back of the queue. They sent appointments for bank holidays and then had to change them 'due to unforeseen circumstances'. They called him to take cancellations even though he had to stop his meds for a week before the op so couldn't take them. He had more tests and on January 11th was told he would have a follow up appt in 6 weeks. Eventually it came through for 25th April and yesterday they cancelled that 'due to unforeseen circumstances' and now it is for June.

DH's GP is off at the moment in need of an operation and even he can't get an appointment!

Yes, I've seen the nurses in other hospitals all chatting at the nurses station and not about work. When my sister was very ill one of the nurses was on Hotmail for ages and I couldn't get help for my sister.

When I was in hospital a few years ago our ward couldn't get a hot drink until lunch time because we were forgotten.

DH has had several spells in hospital in recent years, mainly caused by accidents on his bike. Both he and I have observed, noted and been shocked initially but later inured to the disorganisation which seems to be endemic in hospitals. Like grumpa we both wondered what managers actually do because it does not seem to be managing as we understand it.

We were also somewhat irritated by the way staff gather round the nurses station and chat and giggle a lot whilst patients are unobserved and even ignored. It is not the done thing to criticise nurses but I was sorely tempted, on more than one occasion to tackle them The appearance of a handsome young houseman on the ward only exacerbated the situation.

Obviously there will be some first class, well run, efficient medical facilities somewhere, but I have not had the pleasure of coming across them so far. I live in hope.

I was an NHS Senior Manager but a nurse as well so things got done in my area of responsibility. Its not the same everywhere though some are very good and some not so good and most hospitals have Modern Matrons now but although they have some influence they aren't in charge of cleaning and maintenance which is often privatised. I was trained to understand that a nurse is responsible for a clean and safe environment for her patients. I do agree though if something is not getting done go to the top. Good wishes for Mrs Grumpa .

I can't help thinking we have seriously overcomplicated our lives. Well done for getting the shower fixed; it must have made life a lot easier for everyone.

One of the things that gives me hope is that those studying Organisational Management see a move towards smaller self run flat groups.

I don't know Grumppa but I note your post is in the present tense so I send good wishes to your wife and hope she has a speedy recovery. I hope also in the scheme of things it does not prove too trying a time for either of you.

Thank you; Mrs Grumppa is doing OK.

The whole incident confirms my experience that the key people in any organisation are the bosses' secretaries. When I Had lobbying rssponsibilities we had an annual lunch for the secretaries and researchers of all MPs/Ministers with whom we had regular contact. They appreciated it, and got on like a house on fire among themselves.

How I do agree. I worked in hospitals for years and watched standards fall after the matrons were abolished and the cleaning was "outsourced." One day there was a stain on the on the floor of the corridor - could have been coffee, could have been blood. It stayed there day after day and nothing was done; everyone regarded it to be someone else's job. A matron would have had it sorted in 5 minutes.

I hope that Mrs Grumppa is on the mend.