Why does it take 50 minutes to dispense a prescription? Why do you have to use the hospital pharmacy in the first place? Why can you not use the normal neighbourhood pharmacies?

I had an appointment to see the consultant to find out what is causing my bad vision in my right eye. This has been going on a while after numerous cancelled appointments over the years and also inconvenient appointment times as I have to take the whole day off work unpaid due to dilation drops and not being able to drive. My last app I was told everything seems OK but I need to see consultant to double check! Yet another appointment for the same check, just someone different. This morning waiting times werent too bad but, I was given dilation drops then quite quickly called in to see consultant to be told the machine that looks at the back of my eye isnt working and I will have to come back at a later date when it is! So I had dilation drops in for nothing!Surely they knew this before giving me drops? I could have gone back to work. I have now lost a full days pay for nothing and Im none the wiser about my eye problem. Absolutely shocking, I feel like Im being fobbed off at every appointment.

After receiving an urgent referral and undergoing various procedures, I was informed someone would be in touch in 24-48 hours with the results. 10 days later still no communication. Having rang the hospital between 5-10 times daily (and that’s no exaggeration as I’m happy to provide call log as proof should anybody at the hospital be interested). I have still not been able to speak to anybody in Urology as nobody answers the phone on any option and it either rings out or goes to answerphone. Very poor after care, especially considering the reasons behind why I was referred. Still no further forward as to what is wrong and the worry continues. Come on St. Helens hospital Urology department, answer your phone.