NHS Apt system

[Pumper_Sue]

Had a phone call this morning telling me my GP had referred me for an apt and could I confirm my DOB, so I asked who the referral was too. I was told she couldn't tell me this as it was confidential. 🙄

So I said fine so is my date of birth.
Pointed out as she couldn't answer my basic security question then I wouldn't be answering hers and put the phone down.

I'm still none the wiser as to what it's about.

 

[Ralph-YK]

Odd thing to say. My mum's had con phone calls (the "you have a problem with your computer" one,) and I've had several con emails. Haven't heard of this specific 1 before.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Odd thing to say. My mum's had con phone calls (the "you have a problem with your computer" one,) and I've had several con emails. Haven't heard of this specific 1 before.

I am expecting some apts so it was more than likely a genuine call but it peed me off no end that they could ask and expect to be told confidential info without answering a basic question from me.

 

[Ralph-YK]

I've had the problem of lack of any information when taking to someone over the phone. Maybe ask at your GPs about it.

 

[Amigo]

Could be genuine but I think you did exactly the right thing Sue in not giving out confidential details over the phone. And we all have every right to be told who we've been referred to and why!

So many phone scams recently especially the 'our records indicate you've worked in heavy industry and are entitled to a claim'. My OH made me laugh when he replied, 'Oh not me, I've never worked a day in my life, I'm bone idle!'

(He's not incidentally but it left them at a complete loss! Lol)

 

[Amberzak]

We've had the computer ones. 'Hi, I'm ringing from Microsoft, we've detected a virus.' My reply: 'that's funny, seeings as I only have macs.' My grandad's response is even better as he doesn't even have a computer.

 

[Pine Marten]

I think you did the right thing too, Pumper_Sue - if it was genuine then they won't mind you being vigilant.

I had an odd one the other day (I can't now remember what it was about!) and as they had my initials wrong and house number wrong I hung up on them. There are so many phone scams these days that I don't give out any info over the phone unless I'm very sure who it is.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I have just had another phone call asking for dob so they can book an apt.
So I told them to send the apt by post apparently they cant do this. I have suggested what they can do with the apt.

 

[AlisonM]

Sue, our local hospitals have a central number to call regarding appointments. Perhaps yours does too and you could call them to see if they've been trying to contact you. It would clear up the mystery.

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Sue, our local hospitals have a central number to call regarding appointments. Perhaps yours does too and you could call them to see if they've been trying to contact you. It would clear up the mystery.

I've left a message at my GP surgery. The call is more than likely genuine but I object to giving out personal details without a simple question being answered for me.

 

[Ralph-YK]

There's a NHS site (don't know address off hand, found it Googleing) that has contact details for various hospitals & departments. Also has my local doctors & dentist.

Normally I get a letter about hospital appointments. There's a department/appointment line number on that.
However, I have been rung 4 times this year. Each time there was a reason why they didn't just send a letter (twice it was in response to a query from me), and each time they said what department, the consultant or what the appointment was for.

 

[Amigo]

I received an automated telephone 'satisfaction survey' today relating to a hospital appointment yesterday. Multiple choice. By the time they'd got to number 6, I'd forgotten what number 1 was! Wanting to know main reason I was happy with the experience. It's turning into TripAdvisor! 😱