Do You Need an Appointment?

My Ron's hearing has been deteriorating for years, and I have finally managed to persuade him to have it looked at. Last time it was checked, back about 15 years ago, he had lost all the high and low tones. but could just about get by on what was left.

The system for a hearing test is simple; see the GP, ask for a referral, get an appointment at the audiology department. The system for getting an appointment is a little more complicated, however. First we had a letter asking him to phone for an appointment. I did that, fixed a date, put it in the diary. Job sorted. Ha! Since then we have had confirmation letter. This confirmed his appointment and gave him some instructions on seeing the practice nurse and getting his ears cleared of wax before visiting the audiology dept. Fair enough, although I would have done that as an insert with the 'call for an appointment' letter. Job done? Apparently not. We had an automatic phone call this evening, requiring him (if he WAS him) to press 1 to confirm his identity, enter his DOB in six digits to prove it, press 1 again to confirm that he was going to be there next week. Job done? Let's hope so, this time...