What's going on?

I have spent the most part of the past year going on appointment after appointment at TWH. I have seen every member of the bariatric team. I gave spent a small fortune in parking alone. My file went through rounds again yesterday. I called there today to politely enquire if I was set up with an appointment to see the surgeon yet. I was promptly told by the receptionist "you were told not to call here". Who does this receptionist think she is talking to, the neighbours dog? I was never told by anyone not to call there. Why am I not allowed to call there? I am a patient like everyone else. She then said she attended rounds yesterday, and my file is "being held for the next 4-6 weeks" with no explaination of the reason my file is held whatsoever. All the team members I saw told me that they have approved me for the surgery, based on the discussion I had with the member of that discipline - dietician, phycologist, etc. Do they not realize this process is very stressful, and people actually have lives to live, besides being forced to sit by the phone waiting for them to call you for the appointments you so desperately have been waiting for? Has anyone else had rude, negative comments from the booking staff at TWH. Has anyone been told - don't call here. That certainly is no way for someone working in public service to be acting, especially someone in health care.

Wow, that's rude!  I'm not with TWH so I can't answer your question, but if sympathise with you and understand how you feel.  That's very frustrating that she would tell you your file is on hold for a specified amount of time and then not tell you why.  What are they hoping to gain?  If it's an internal reason then she could at least explain that to you.  I hope you don't have to wait much longer or that perhaps the lady who answered the phone has mistaken you with someone else. Good luck.

Thanks. What hospital are you with? I hope they do not take 4-6 more weeks for "nothing"... Maybe they have run out of funding or met their "quota" for this year, and are putting people off until next year. I can only speculate when they won't tell you anything? It is so frustrating seeing others get their "meet the surgeon" dates and surgery dates at THW,  and here I sit - in the dark - where my file is concerned. 

I have never had any problem with the admin staff at TWH Bariatric Unit. Why not try to reach the social worker on your case for clarification? If you have their e-mail - send a note or call and leave a message.

It sounds rather odd that the girl was so rude and said you weren't supposed to call there. 

I am with TWH and have never encountered anyone rude that works there period.  They are always nice and accomodating.

What I do know is that sometimes when people call a lot or are agressive with them, they remember.  They deal with so many of us a day that are waiting, waiting, waiting, so maybe it was an off day, or maybe is it possible you were a little agressive with them?

Either way, if your file is being held up, you will get a call to tell you why and when my file went to rounds, I didn't hear back for about 1 week.

Thank you. I called the manager. She told me my file is held up due to volume only, which is believable.  I have never been aggressive with the receptionist people, and I do know they busy. They simply need to remember their people skills especially in the health care industry. 

I suspect you'll get a call sooner than later. I know someone else who just got a call last week.  It won't take long. Hang in there.