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Care Opinion

Chasing up CT Scan

Posted By suelanarkshire

"Chasing up CT Scan"

About: Golden Jubilee National Hospital NHS Lanarkshire

(as the patient),

I was referred by consultant to have a CT scan but that was in last Dec and I am still waiting for any communication from hospital of when that will be.

I have telephoned and met with my GP to ask when I will get the scan. She informed me that even thought they have written twice to both consultants that they have still to receive a reply. I was advised to contact the consultant's secretaries myself to ask when I will be seen. I do not know where these consultants work as I was seen in Glasgow's Royal Jubilee hospital who contract these consultants from other areas and therefore cannot call their secretaries.

I do feel however that it should not be left up to the patient to 'chase-up' such matters and would expect this to be done by a medical professional.

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Responses

Response from Christine McGuinness, Communications Manager, Golden Jubilee National Hospital 10 years ago
Christine McGuinness
Communications Manager,
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Submitted on 05/03/2014 at 09:35
Published on Care Opinion at 11:29

Dear suelanarkshire,

We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties in getting an appointment for a CT scan.

As Patient Opinion is anonymous, we do not have any of your personal information. To help me look into this for you, I would be grateful if you could contact me to discuss this is more detail. I can be contacted on telephone 0141 951 5195 or by emailing comms@gjnh.scot.nhs.uk.

Kind regards,

Christine

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Update posted by suelanarkshire (the patient)

I spoke with Christine last week who informed me that this is an issue for NHS Lanarkshire. I have spoken with another at Golden Jubilee who informed me that I must speak with NHS Lanarkshire. I have found out this;

1) No one has put me on the list for a CT Scan.

2) The Consultant at Wishaw General Hospital claims that he informed my GP that I had to undergo a "egfr" test before he would put me on the list.

3) GP has had no correspondence from Consultant and knows nothing about "egfr" test.

4) No one can tell me why I have to have a "egfr" test as CT Scan is for colon.

5) NHS Lanarkshire informed me on Friday that Consultant would be in touch with GP and to check on Monday (today).

6) Checked today with GP - not heard from Consultant.

So 3 months waiting and 9 calls to 5 different people over the last 6 days has resulted in absolutely nothing. In my opinion this is a shambles.

Response from Shona Welton, Head of Patient Affairs, NHS Lanarkshire 10 years ago
Shona Welton
Head of Patient Affairs,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 11/03/2014 at 09:21
Published on Care Opinion at 10:30

Dear suelanarkshire

You seem to have been round the houses with this one! I'm really sorry about that and can understand your frustration. So that we can try to sort this out for you I'd be grateful if you could give me a call on 01698 858094.

Kind regards

Shona

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Update posted by suelanarkshire (the patient)

I spoke with Shona - who was most helpful. Only one thing to comment on from that conversation. I asked why it had taken 3 months for any action on my case and I was told they didn't know, could I suggest that you find out and put procedures in place so that it does not happen to anyone else.

I now have my blood test and the result, I am now waiting to hear of a date for CT Scan.

Response from Shona Welton, Head of Patient Affairs, NHS Lanarkshire 10 years ago
Shona Welton
Head of Patient Affairs,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 01/04/2014 at 17:40
Published on Care Opinion on 02/04/2014 at 09:57

Dear suelanarkshire

I'm sorry that when we spoke I was only able to deal with part of the problem for you. What I was trying to do was to sort out things for the future rather than look at how we had got to that situation.

I've been on leave recently and my colleague, Yvonne Ross, who is the Patient Affairs Manager at Wishaw General Hospital, has been linking with staff there. As she is more familiar with the details, Yvonne would be happy to speak to you to explain what happened. She can be contacted at the hospital on 01698 366558 if you would like to speak with her directly?

With my best wishes for the future,

Shona

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Update posted by suelanarkshire (the patient)

Thank you for your response but I have no wish to make yet another phone call.

It has been 4 weeks since my blood test, 19 weeks from CT referral and 36 weeks from my original visit to GP and have still to hear back about a date for CT Scan.

I find this completely unacceptable, if NHS Lanarkshire can't, because of whatever reason, 'fit me in' then why can't I be referred to a health authority that can?

I have had 9 months of worry that I may have cancer and yet no one seems to care.

Response from Shona Welton, Head of Patient Affairs, NHS Lanarkshire 9 years ago
Shona Welton
Head of Patient Affairs,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 29/04/2014 at 10:51
Published on Care Opinion at 11:57

Dear suelanarkshire

The letter with your appointment details must have "crossed on the post" with your posting on Patient Opinion last week. I do hope that the scan goes smoothly for you and helps with planning your future clinical care.

Best regards

Shona

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Update posted by suelanarkshire (the patient)

The saga continues; having had my CT scan I had an outpatient appoint last August whereby I was referred to The Royal Infirmary in Glasgow - 7 months later I have yet to hear back.

I telephoned the GP surgery yesterday in order to get an update and was informed at letter to the radiologist at GRI was sent in August 2014 but there has been no reply and no one is bothering to chase it up. I have been advised yet again to embark on a series of phone calls to the Surgeon at Wishaw General and the radiologist at GRI.

This is again unacceptable as it is now 19 months since I first visited my GP about my health issue. I know the NHS is overstretched but now starting to feel a victim of incompetence. I haven't had a letter from the surgeon at Wishaw General as to being referred to the GRI nor do I know why I'm being referred - all I know is that I still have the original condition and its not being treated.

Its a shambles and now feel like giving up, saving up and going private!

Response from Gillian McAuley, Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw, NHS Lanarkshire 9 years ago
Gillian McAuley
Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 02/04/2015 at 16:55
Published on Care Opinion at 17:04

picture of Gillian McAuley

Dear suelanarkshire,

I am so sorry that our communication with you has continued to be so poor. I completely understand your frustration and I will do my best to resolve these issues for you as quickly as possible. We will need your personal details to be able to look into this.

Please contact Yvonne in Patient Affairs on Tel No: 01698 366558 with your details so that I can speak to your consultant and I will get back to you to explain the reason for your referral to the GRI

We will then contact the GRI to try and find out what is happening with your appointment.

Kind regards,

Gillian

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Update posted by suelanarkshire (the patient)

I have finally received a letter today regarding my radiology appointment. I find it unbelievable that instead of travelling to a hospital 2 miles from where I live I have to travel 30 miles to the Royal Alexander in Paisley to have the test done.

Is NHS Lanarkshire going to provide transport to said appointment? or am I being left to make my own way by taking two trains and buses/taxis?

Response from Gillian McAuley, Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw, NHS Lanarkshire 8 years ago
Gillian McAuley
Chief of Nursing Services, University Hospital Wishaw,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 20/05/2015 at 16:45
Published on Care Opinion at 17:26

picture of Gillian McAuley

Dear suelanarkshire,

I understand your frustration and appreciate the challenges that travelling this distance may pose.

It may be that the particular test you need is not undertaken in Lanarkshire, or the GRI have referred you. Without knowing the tests that you are attending for I’m sorry I’m not able to comment further.

Again, with regard to transport, we do not routinely provide transport. The Scottish Ambulance Service does provide transport for patients to travel to and from hospital if they meet certain criteria.

I’d be keen to try and address your concerns, particularly as this has been going on for such a long time. Please contact Yvonne Ross my Patient Affairs Manager on Tel No: 01698 366558 with your details and I’ll give you a call to discuss the issues.

I look forward to speaking with you.

Kind Regards

Gillian

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