"Orthopaedics Raigmore"

Delay after delay... lack of information,

I was referred by GP to Orthopaedics at Raigmore.

First appointment with consultant, Consultant requested X Rays (full left leg, hip and lower spine) X Ray dept were unable to carry out full leg X ray as the machine was faulty, and did separate X rays instead. Consultant also wanted to administer a cortisone injection to the left knee, but was unable to do so, as I had to drive after, and was not informed this procedure would be carried out on the day, otherwise I could have made other arrangements, as I live 30 miles away. Arrangements were also made for a hip injection to be carried out at a later date on day release.

Next appointment, cortisone injection left knee. advised may need a knee replacement at a later date.

Hip injection day case.

Appointment received for Ian Charles hospital, to see consultant, quickly followed by a cancelation letter, and new appointment with another consultant at Raigmore on a later date. I contacted your booking service to advise that I needed to see my original consultant, and at least on the earlier date, as the injections had done very little to alleviate the pain, and trouble walking a short distance remained.

The consultant advised I may need a left knee Osteotomy, and made arrangements for a full left leg x Ray again at Raigmore.

Full leg X Ray carried out. (Excellent service, very quick)

Another long wait to find out on yet another appointment that leg alignment is fine, And now requested MRI scans of the left knee, Lumber spine.

MRI scans carried out, informed I should have the results in 7-10 days, (Again excellent service by the radiology dept)

Waited 10 days, and called to see if any results were in and was told nothing as of yet, asked to call back in a week.

Phoned again after a week, informed that there were still no results, and there was a back log, I was also asked if I wanted to speak to a secretary as they could chase the result up. I was then put through to the secretary who seemed no to be able understand my predicament.

I said I had phoned after 10 days, their reply was "And", I also said I had called again a week later as advised, to be met with the reply again "And" I explained I have now been off work, waiting for a full diagnosis as to what is actually going on for 8 months now, and find it incredible the amount of time waiting for any information, or appointments. apart from Radiology, the rest of the treatment I have received seems to be constantly delayed?

Contacted the consultants secretary again, and was informed that they have the report. but it needs typing up and presenting to the consultant, but it would be on his desk by Friday. And I was to phone back after, and that they would know by then if an appointment had been arranged, and when I would receive the results, and what treatment is required.

I called the Secretary again as advised to, only to be told the usual secretary is off, and there is nearly a months back log of reports to be typed up.

Now still no full diagnosis, No MRI results, No follow up, No contact from orthopaedics!

Whatever is going on in my lower spine is getting worse, disturbed sleep, cannot stand or walk more than 10 mins as my right thigh goes numb, my left foot is constantly tingling/numb, and feels like warm water running through it at times. on top of that the pain in my lower spine becomes intolerable, and only lying down seems to ease the issues.

Such a difference to the Raigmore I spent 9wks there after an RTA, I feel the service isn't as good and ask myself what's happened?