Calling for cancellations

I've seen some people saying to call up for cancellations and this is something I'm keen to do (my orientation is next week. It's taken a while because I moved after my referral was submitted) I'm now with Sudbury. I live minutes away from the centre so can get there for last minute cancellations (and I work from home so I'm pretty flexible)

This is so pathetic but what do you say when you call? How do you do it so the person on the other side of the phone doesn't dread you calling them?

I don't want to be that person that's a total pain the butt lol

Hi aancha,

In my experience, the people in the other end of the phone are so supportive when you call for cancellations! When I call, I just ask: "I am calling to see if you might have any earlier appointments for the XX appointment than the one I'm scheduled for?" or "I'm calling to see if there are any cancellations for the XX appointment."

Honestly, it doesn't matter how you say it, they know what you mean!!!

Have your MRN or health card number handy. Be very polite. I have been able to move every appointment up by a lot so far (including orientation, and except my meet the surgeon... argh, still working on that one!!!). Even if they say no today, later in the week, a spot can open up so call back!!

Wishing you much success on your journey!!!

Maybe the first time you call you can mention that you live nearby and your schedule is flexible...?

I never called for cancellations but my centre called me for an early surgeon appt because someone cancelled last minute due to a snowstorm. I live about 25 minutes from the clinic, but I was happy to take the appt last minute :)

The receptionist said that she just started calling people who lived closest to the clinic.

The person I spoke to when they moved was very nice so after my orientation I'll call her and see if I can put on My Scottish charm :D

I was so nervous to call too. But I just kept calling every week or 2 and was just super polite. And always mention it if you can drop everything to go...that way they are more likely to call you.

Good luck with your journey!!

every centre is different, but I found that I had the best experience when I asked in person. Perhaps you can ask the front desk person when you are there for your orientation next week.

At my orientation (Nov) I was given a paper with my next 3 appts on it. The first of which was for Feb.28.
With talking to the reception person at my centre I was able to get all of my appts (7 I think) except the final 'meet the surgeon' before that first one. They really do seem to get a lot of cancellations.

I will definitely ask when I go next week. This is a great suggestion. As someone else said making it clear I can literally drop everything to take a last minute cancellation might help (depending on if I have a meeting or not. I do work from home but I don't work for myself. The company I work for are pretty flexible so it'd be fine to just drop everything and make the time back later.)

Honestly, it depends on your Centre. Mine was unfortunately horrible at a) answering the phone, b) returning calls and c) being polite

I did call for cancellations and let them know I could come literally at any time and they gave me the run around

But I still called!

GeorgianBay_Girl, as I was reading your post I thought, "she must be at Humber" lol.

I haven't had any horrible experiences myself, but while there I've overheard the receptionists on the phones and was shocked by their tone and what they were saying to patients. At my workplace, we would be walked out the door for it.

OP, as long as you are respectful and polite when you call, who cares what they think? That is their job. In this system we have to advocate for ourselves - don't ever feel guilty for that.

The people who answer the phones in Sudbury are usually really nice and polite. I had to reschedule one of my meetings and they were super helpful. Definitely let them know that you're right near the centre and can come in at the last minute. They get people from all over the North and some have very long distances to drive and weather/car problems can cause a lot of cancellations. I had to reschedule because a mouse or some other critter chewed through my brake line (twice!) and I wasn't able to get a rental car one time, lol.