"A waste of everybody's time and resources."

About: North Devon District Hospital / Cancer Services North Devon District Hospital Cancer Services Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Haematology North Devon District Hospital Haematology Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Radiology (X-ray) North Devon District Hospital Radiology (X-ray) Barnstaple EX31 4JB

Posted by CATINTHEHAT (as the patient), 8 months ago

Have had several CT scans in last couple of years. Each time I go to the department there is a problem getting a cannula in my arm for the dye infusion. After four attempts by nursing staff I have been asked to go home and return the following day to go to haematology dept for a cannula to be inserted, wasting an afternoon of my time and more importantly a wasted appointment in the CT scanner. This has happened on three occasions (incidentally this is a 30 mile round trip with no public transport available).
The staff in CT scanner unit insisted that I have a "marker" on my notes saying cannulate in haematology unit in future. I now have another appointment for a scan (with dye) and have been told that I MUST go to the scanning unit to allow staff to try and insert a cannula themselves. Well excuse me, this is so stupid and such a waste of everybody's time and resources !
I have rung the hospital and spoken to staff only to be told this is now the NHS requirement and there seems to be no movement. I was supposed to have been rung back last Friday about the situation but have heard nothing. I am a terminal cancer patient and cannot believe what is going on. I feel my time is quite valuable to me, I wish the hospital were like-minded. Until this point in time I have been satisfied with my treatment.

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Responses

Pippa Clifton

Breast Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Northern Services), Oncology (Northern Services),

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Developing a service to deliver Outpatient Day treatments in settings closer to patients homes

Submitted on 29/08/2023 at 13:10

Published on Care Opinion at 13:10

Dear CATINTHEHAT,
Im so sorry to read about your experiences when having a CT scan and the frustration and inconvenience this causes. I can understand that this is an unnecessary stress for all involved.
I am possibly not your Clinical nurse specialist but if you would be happy to call me on 01271 349108 I can then liaise with the correct person to see if we can ensure that you have a better experience next time. Alternatively, if you have an assigned Clinical Nurse Specialist, do give them a call and see if they can help resolve this ongoing issue

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Gill Kite

Superintendent Radiographer/Radiology Governance Lead (Northern Services), Radiology, North Devon District Hospital (Northern Services),

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

I am a Diagnostic Radiographer with many years experience of working, and imaging patients, in all areas of the Radiology department. I am also responsible for the governance in Radiology and so make sure that we are compliant with the many ionising radiation regulations that dictate what we can and can't do in radiology, keep the patients and staff safe and ensure we are practicing safely. I also deal with our policies and procedures and oversee compliments, complaints and quality.

Submitted on 29/08/2023 at 14:27

Published on Care Opinion at 14:27

Dear CATINTHEHAT,
Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback about your experience, I'm so sorry for the delay in replying and also for the poor experience you have received; I completely understand your frustration, and can only apologise for the lack of communication with you about your appointment.
I have just spoken to our CT Lead about this and there had been a problem with patients being able to attend the Seamoor unit for cannulation, prior to CT scan, however this has now been resolved.
If you would like to contact me I will ensure that this is sorted out for you in time for your appointment; you can contact me either via email at gillian.kite@nhs.net or via the phone on 01271 322779, which ever is easier for you (although I'm sorry I wont be available on Wednesday via the phone).
Your time is indeed valuable and I hope that we can improve your experience of our service going forward.
Kind regards
Gill

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Lisa Beasant

Cancer Services Support Manager Haematology/Oncology, Cancer Services,

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 15/09/2023 at 13:20

Published on Care Opinion at 13:34

Dear CATINTHEHAT,
First of all please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your feedback, in regards to you being cannulated for your CT scan.
We have agreed that the Seamoor unit will support difficult cannulations for CT scans as long as the patient is pre-booked into the Seamoor diary. This is due to the increase in patients requiring treatment, and this means we do not have the capacity to support ad-hoc cannulations.
The CT department is also looking into purchasing a vein finder to assist the staff with their difficult cannulations and this has been as a result of you raising your concerns.
We appreciate you taking the time to make us aware of this situation and apologise for the inconvenience of going home and having to attend the hospital the following day. As you have quite rightly advised your time will be very valuable to you.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Reply on behalf of:
Rebecca Stuckey
Lead Cancer Nurse and Matron for Seamoor Unit

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Update posted by CATINTHEHAT (the patient) 7 months ago

Many thanks for considering my concerns regarding patient cannulation pre CT scanning for patients with "problem veins". The decision to provide some patients with a pre-appointment system within the Seamoor Unit is a perfect solution for those needing the service.
Kind Regards

Lisa Beasant

Cancer Services Support Manager Haematology/Oncology, Cancer Services,

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 16/10/2023 at 10:20

Published on Care Opinion at 10:43

We have set up this process and we will continue to review this on an on going basis to ensure that this element is considered for patients who have "problem veins".
Once again thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Best wishes
Lisa

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