Doctor did not turn up for appointment! Home Visit

My husband had a home visit appointment booked for an ESA medical assessment yesterday, where it was stated in the letter that the doctor would arrive between 11am and 12pm. At 12.25 they still had not arrived, so I phoned their office, just to check things were still booked for the time stated.

On explaining what had happened, I was told they would get in touch with said doctor and get straight back to me. Get straight back to me they did! They didn't have any contact number for him!! We said we would wait a bit longer, but I had to go out a bit later on, so if he turned up and the assessment took longer than expected, I wouldn't be there for all of it.

We then waited until 1.10pm and I rang again, speaking to someone else who confirmed no phone no. available. Medical manager had not heard anything from this doctor who apparently is pretty organised - I have my doubts after this I'm afraid.

I stated it was not good enough they didn't have a phone number for him. They cancelled the appointment and we were told it would be rearranged which I have since found out will be in the new year.

I stated that I wanted it written on their records that the doctor had missed the appointment and no contact was made.

I have already sent in a complaint asking what happened to this doctor and why no contact, as we waited and waited and had no contact whatsoever - very unprofessional and not a good first impression of Atos for us, although I wasn't expecting too much anyway!

I phoned them this morning, just curious if they had heard anything and no, suprisingly they had not! Apparently he was going to be in one of the medical centres today and they had apparently sent him an email - perhaps they might have more luck with contact from him!

Has anyone else had this happen with a no show health 'professional' ??

Actually, I've known this to happen on several occasions in the past. I'm often asked by clients to sit in at their medicals for support and can recall at least 3 occasions in the last year or so.

There is no excuse for not turning up and not letting the claimant. All Atos Health Care Professionals <sic> carry mobile 'phones, so could easily inform claimants if they have to cancel.

I'm pleased to hear you've made an official complaint.

Just goes to prove Atos really doesn't give ' a toss'