Patient let down by NHS booking 'failure'

A patient from Lincoln says she will be forced into pay for private treatment due to a problem with the NHS's controversial Choose and Book system.

Margaret Chalk, 50, of Woburn Avenue, Lincoln, says she is living in permanent discomfort after suffering with conjunctivitis for eight weeks.

Having gone back and forth to the Minister Medical Practice, trying various treatments without success, her GP, Dr Paul Fitzgerald, referred her to see a ophthalmologist.

Mrs Chalk then received a reference number and password for the Choose and Book service through the post, following her appointment with Dr Fitzgerald.

But when she rang the number last Monday she was told that there were no appointments on the system at Lincoln County Hospital and that the hospital would be in touch shortly.

But after hearing nothing for a week Mrs Chalk rang the booking line on Monday and was given the same response.

"I have now asked my doctor to refer me to a private consultant because what's the use of having money in the bank if you don't have your health?" said Mrs Chalk.

"It's either that or sitting in A&E until somebody will see me."

Spokesman for NHS Lincolnshire Jim Moss said: "Both United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust and NHS Lincolnshire are totally committed to improving patient care and ensuring appointment availability for both routine and urgent patients.

"In this case, one of our staff has contacted the patient with a view to helping to resolve the situation."