A BLACKPOOL woman who has suffered 50 blackouts in six months is chalking up a black mark for Blackpool Victoria Hospital's appointment system.

Following a series of tests last September, Elizabeth Dinsdale, of Bispham, was promised a follow-up appointment.

But Elizabeth, 47, heard nothing. And as this was the second time she had waited in vain for a follow-up appointment, after three months she told her doctor who subsequently contacted the Vic.

He was informed that the consultant whose list Elizabeth was on, no longer practised the hospital.

"I think it's bad that people waiting for appointments don't seem to be informed about changes and reasons for delays," she said.

Elizabeth has been affected by these blackouts for about 18 months. They occur without warning and she hardly dares venture out of the house for fear of hurting herself. Elizabeth has suffered black eyes and severe bruising many times and is glad of the several reliable friends she has in the area who drop in regularly to check that everything's OK.

"I have fallen down a full flight of stairs on several occasions and have come round to find the vacuum cleaner on top of me," she explains.

"I've smashed nearly all my crockery and I once tipped a chip pan full of fat over myself. Fortunately, it had only just melted.

"One evening, I was enjoying a night out in my local pub and I came round flat out on the stone flag floors in the ladies' toilets."

After a further three months, Elizabeth's doctor again contacted the Vic. Happily, she has finally received a letter with the promise of an appointment in about five months' time.

A press office spokesperson for Blackpool Victoria Hospital said: "We don't have enough information at this stage to deal with the complaint in full.

"However, if the patient wishes to put her complaint in writing, we will investigate the situation thoroughly and provide her with a full written response."