Patient’s cancelled hospital appointment a painful blow

A retired postman says he faces more months in pain after his hospital appointment was cancelled as he arrived at the reception desk.

Thomas Wratten, 76, of Brabourne Lees, has been waiting to see a specialist at the William Harvey Hospital since August last year.

After a previous appointment was cancelled, he was told he should go to hospital on Monday this week, where doctors would complete an endoscopy to find out more about his painful stomach ulcers.

But when he arrived at the hospital with his daughter Fiona Dewhurst, he was told his operation had once again been cancelled, despite not having been told in advance.

His daughter Fiona said: “He was hoping to get himself sorted, as he has had a lot of strain and stress and has been in a lot of discomfort.

“At reception in the hospital, they told me that the endoscopy had been cancelled in January, but then told me they had only sent the letter out at 9.20am on Thomas Wratten isupset that his hospital appointment has been cancelled the morning of the appointment.”

Mr Wratten, who is both a grandfather and great-grandfather, said: “They told me they had sent the letter out at 9.20am in the morning, but I was already there. They didn’t know why they had to cancel it, they didn’t give a reason.

“I’m not happy about it, it has gone on long enough. By the time they see me it will be a year since I first saw my GP about it.”

Mr Wratten says he was told that he doesn’t have anything “too nasty at this stage”, but says this makes him fear about what the future might be.

He now awaits a new appointment in June.

East Kent Hospitals trust spokesman Steve James said: “We apologise for any late cancellations experienced by patients, and we’re sorry to hear that Mr Wratten was informed so late about his cancellation.

“If an appointment is cancelled, we always try to ensure patients receive plenty of notice.

“We’ll find out why this late cancellation happened and ensure that Mr Wratten receives a suitable alternative appointment.”

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