About 64% of people had difficulties with health service last year relating to communication about care

Patients routinely have to chase up test results, receive appointment letters after their appointments and do not know when their treatment will occur because the NHS is so “dysfunctional”.

That is the conclusion of research by two major patients’ organisations and the King’s Fund, which lays bare a host of problems with the way the health service interacts with it users.

32% had to chase up the results of a test, scan or X-ray.

32% had not been told how long they would have to wait for their care or treatment.

23% were unaware of who to contact while they waited.

20% received an invitation to an appointment after the date had passed.