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"Lack of care and professionalism"

About: Lerwick Health Centre

(as a service user),

I had been prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection 4-5 days prior to this event. At that appointment, I was told to come back if I don’t feel any better in the following few days.

Since there wasn’t any improvement after nearly finishing my prescription, I contacted my local Health Centre. My call was logged by reception and a doctor called me back an hour or so later, saying they’re slightly concerned so I should come in and get seen.

I turned up for my appointment with an Advanced Nurse Practitioner who was telling me straight away that they can’t do anything for me because I need to let my body do the work. They reckoned the antibiotics did the job and they concluded this without any examination or letting me properly explain my symptoms etc. They said they are only telling me their professional opinion and when I respectfully disagreed with them, they interrupted me saying I was getting aggressive and if I'm going to be like this then I can leave now.

I looked at them in disbelief since to me disagreeing with someone and being aggressive are two different things. I told them that if this is how they feel then I would like another member of staff present at my appointment but they blank refused. They established that they didn’t know why I was there. I was still trying to explain and be heard but they were having none of it.

At this point I was getting a bit frustrated with the situation (try and imagine you’ve not slept for days and you feel so unwell you can hardly look after yourself and any dependants). I then said that they were basically telling me to f. off.  They completely went off on one telling me I must leave right now as according to them I was swearing at them as well as being aggressive. I left the room completely baffled and I just burst into tears. 

I was made to feel completely helpless and humiliated. I also feel that just because I challenged their opinion and lack of care, I was labelled  as aggressive. In my line of work., I would be disciplined if I was to treat a patient like this. 

Since when do patients get treated like this? Absolutely shocking low level of care, I’m actually very sad about this experience.

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Responses

Response from Feedback and Complaints Officer, Corporate Services, NHS Shetland 2 months ago
Submitted on 13/02/2024 at 10:28
Published on Care Opinion at 11:21


Dear Gizmo24

I am very sorry to read about your recent experience attending an appointment at your local health centre. Thank you for sharing your concerns about your interaction with the Advanced Nurse Practitioner and I am sorry you were left feeling helpless and humiliated. I would like to be able to help you resolve this if you would like to contact me directly.

The best way to do this would be to email me via shet.feedbackandcomplaints@nhs.scot, or call 01595 720915.

Thank you

Katherine

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