"Poor communication"

I have recently had need to access several NHS services, including physio and dealing with a recent prostate cancer diagnosis. I have the greatest admiration and gratitude for the individuals involved in dealing with me, but the the way appointments are communicated was an absolute farce.

I need to use four separate platforms; the NHS app, my local GP practice hub and two separate NHS Trust portals. Appointments are communicated to me via text, letter or both. All that is included is the time and location of the appointment, but, apart from one specific case, no indication of what the appointment is for, as well as sometimes, who with.

In one case, I have had invitations from a team identified only by an entirely opaque acronym of seven letters. The letters are always two pages long, with the vast majority detailing what to do if I can't make the appointment. This lack of critical information for the patient has required me to contact the coordinating team to request a explanation of the nature of the appointment. This not only wastes their as well as my time but also adds to what is already a high level of stress and concern.

I am left frustrated and perplexed. All this for want of a simple sentence to identify the nature of the appointment.