What Is A Reasonable Expectation?

[EcclesCake]

Trying to make a private appointment with a consultant.

The auto reply stated I'd hear within 72hrs and well beyond that point I have heard nothing.

TBH I've had better service from the NHS and feel this is a rather shoddy response to a paying (potential) client.

Have tried ringing but it is just an unanswered voicemail.

The Consultant I wish to see my be considered excellent in his field but is being sorely let down by his support staff.

[bookbinder]

Send him an email?

[Hopkirk]

Is there an email address?

[Mamyalynne]

Not something I have any experience of Eccles, but you do think their reply would express the way they work and a response within that time is not a lot to expect.

[Islay]

I had the same issue - the admin staff were shockingly crap but the surgeon and his medical staff are excellent - I put a formal complaint in and the admin staff lost it!!

[EcclesCake]

His personal email isn't published although I know a source who could track it down for me.

I am trying very hard to remember that he is at the top of his field and it is the support staff that are undermining my confidence in him. :-(

[murraymints]

consultants are not always based at the NHS site and perhaps only works from there once a week ? then there is the weekend to account for...will most likely hear by end of week ? but agree it is not good form if it says 72 hours

[EcclesCake]

That's a leap of faith MM, why assume I contacted him via the NHS?

Will leave it until the COP tomorrow and then bring in my tame Rottweiler to determine a direct email address.

Frustrated and not impressed to date but as I say it is the support staff who are not doing the supporting and I must hold on to that detail.

[murraymints]

I didn't ..most consultants, however have an office based in a local NHS site for contact purposes...whatever it is rather a long time to wait for a response

[Sqad]

"The auto reply stated I'd hear within 72hrs and well beyond that point I have heard nothing."

Who's auto reply......his home, his consulting rooms or the private hospital?
Did you leave a message and your phone number?

[EcclesCake]

It was email to a non NHS email address. I used email I I wanted to include letters of referral and other supporting information. Phone calls have gone straight to voicemail and no response.

Full contact details were provided, I even left the front door open should the Consultant wish to pop by. It's been a bloody drafty few days!

[Sqad]

LOL...if he is any sort of consultant he won't be out in inclement weather.
Just a guess, but it sounds as though the emails and phone calls may have gone to his home address and he may be away.
I would contact his secretary at the private hospital in which he consults and take it from there.

[Islay]

His bloody secretary wants sacking - probably too busy painting his/her nails!

[EcclesCake]

Will kick ass tomorrow and get friendly rotwieller onto the case for a direct email.

Hopefully no nail varnish has been poured over the print outs of my email......

[campbellking]

Cheer yourself up, watch tonight's Panorama on private healthcare!