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Kind, caring and helpful

Posted By rcdsal41

"Kind, caring and helpful"

About: Fife Community Services / Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS)

(as a staff member posting for a patient/service user),

I was holidaying abroad in Sept 2023 and caught Covid.  On my return I was still feeling unwell, so I went to my GP. Initially I had various tests at the GP surgery and although these were all clear I still was not feeling great.

I started to monitor my weight more closely and found that I was losing weight without dieting, which of course was a concern. Having spent almost 40 years working in the NHS I know I had to get this weight loss investigated. 

The next February my GP referred me to the hospital via the RCDS unit and I was soon contacted and appointments made. Ashley from the RCDS team got in touch and made all the necessary appointments plus explained the process. Of course working for the NHS I did understand what would be happening with regards the CT scan but it is great that time is taken by the staff to make sure patients are fully informed. 

Within days I had the scan and the results.  This is impressive and of course reduces the time that you can be sitting worrying about your health. I am pleased to say my results were clear. 

All the staff in this process were easy to talk to and gave a real air of calmness, which made potentially stressful time less so.  Thanks to Ashley and the RCDS team and also to the two radiographers who were kind, caring and helpful.  I hope this great service would become the norm in fast tracking cancer diagnosis. 

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Responses

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 04/03/2024 at 10:22
Published on Care Opinion at 10:22

Dear rcdsal41

Thank you for sharing your care experience since contracting COVID-19 during your holiday in September 2023 and the subsequent health challenges you faced upon returning home. It must have been quite distressing to continue feeling unwell despite initially clear test results from your GP.

Your extensive background in the NHS highlights your understanding of the importance of seeking further investigation into concerning symptoms like unexplained weight loss. It’s good that you took proactive steps to address your health concerns.

It’s wonderful to hear that your GP promptly referred you to the hospital via our RCDS service and that Ashley and the team were quick to contact you and schedule necessary appointments. Even with your healthcare experience, it’s reassuring to receive thorough explanations about procedures, as Ashley provided, ensuring you felt informed and supported throughout the process. It is reassuring to see our commitment to person centred care delivered by the efficiency of the CT scan and the rapid delivery of clear results which undoubtedly helped alleviate some of the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding your health condition. It’s heartening to know that the staff at the hospital, including Ashley and the radiographers, were not only professional but also kind, caring, and attentive to your needs.
Your suggestion that this level of service should become the norm for fast-tracking cancer diagnosis resonates deeply. Indeed, exemplary care like what you received sets a high standard for healthcare delivery and underscores the importance of compassion and efficiency in patient care.
Thank you for sharing your experience, and I was delighted to learn that all your results were clear and we hope you continue to enjoy good health.

Warm Regards

Murdina

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Response from Theresa Rodigan, Senior Administrator, Patient Experience Team, NHS Fife 2 months ago
Theresa Rodigan
Senior Administrator, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 04/03/2024 at 12:01
Published on Care Opinion at 12:01

picture of Theresa Rodigan

Posted on behalf of Shelley McBain, Interim Service Manager, Primary Care

Dear rcdsal41

Hello, my name is Shelley McBain and I am the interim Service Manager for Primary Care. I would like to thank you for sharing your story and I'm pleased that the outcome has been positive for you. I would like to share this positive feedback with the GP practice who referred you into the RCDS unit. If you are agreeable to this, could you please email me directly (shelley.mcbain2@nhs.scot) and I will gladly share this. Thanks again, and take care.

Kind regards

Shelley McBain

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