"Lead up to a bi-annual procedure"

I am feeling almost embarrassed that this is our state's main public hospital!  

I have had a small routine procedure every six months for the past few years.  I have had this done in public and private hospitals in another state and here in South Australia. I have never known such a lengthy and time-consuming process, as this latest time.  I was due for my bi-annual procedure at the end of last year.  I rang the Urology Department at Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) towards the end of the month that I should have had my procedure done, as I hadn't heard anything.  I believe no one knew anything about my procedure even though I had my most recent bi-annual procedure in the first half of last year at the same hospital (RAH). In my opinion, this was the fault of my Urologist who I contacted.

Last year, after a couple of calls I still was uncertain of receiving my procedure. A couple of days later, I ascertained that I was booked in for the following day.

The same day I found out I had an appointment, I was informed that the procedure had been cancelled and rescheduled for a couple of months (making it 9 months after my previous routine procedure).

A couple of weeks before my booking, I was feeling very uncomfortable and ready for my procedure, so I rang the Urology Department at RAH to make sure I was still booked in.  I had not advanced up the queue, as I believe I was told this might happen, but at least it hadn't been cancelled.  I also asked if I should have a urine sample checked in readiness, as I had always done this on previous occasions and the person who I spoke with said this would be a good idea.

During the same week, I filled out my pre-admission papers and posted them to the return address at the hospital. That week, someone at the RAH rang me early in the morning to say I needed to go into the hospital for a pre-admission appointment.  I believe the only time that they had available was 1:30 pm the next day (which necessitating me having to cancel a different appointment).  

My spouse and I went into RAH for the pre-admission appointment.  A nurse did my obs which included my height and weight (which was included in my pre-admission papers).  We then waited a short time before we saw another nurse who thankfully, I felt had a wonderful sense of humour because they were asking me about my medication (which was all listed on my pre-admission papers which I believe, hadn't made it on my file yet). 

During the appointment, the power went off 3 times and the nurse was unable to use the computer so hand wrote my answers on a bit of paper and asked questions which they could remember.  I believe after a half an hour wait, we were then seen by an anaesthetist.  All up I believe this took 3 hours!!!

The day before the procedure I received a call from a Private Patient Liaison Officer asking if I wanted to go in as a Private Patient.  When I affirmed I was happy to do so, it seemed the officer I was speaking with wouldn't take that as an answer and I believe asked me to think about it overnight!  As I felt there was no difference to myself whether I went private or public and I believe the hospital would benefit if I went Private, in my opinion, this was a logical and simple decision to make.  

I tried ringing three times after early afternoon to get my pre-admission instructions and finally, we got through after nearly two hours.  We missed asking when to fast from and so I rang back and was given the time.  Then a few hours later received another call to confirm this time again!