I have come away from an appointment at the out of hours emergency clinic today. I have been very unwell with what I think is a viral infection for three weeks & also as an asthma sufferer am aware when my symptoms are heading towards needing treatment. I lost my voice a few days ago & also have chest tightness. This was cleared by the paramedics earlier on as nothing urgent. They were extremely kind & polite & I thank them for this. I was referred to a GP at the out of hours clinic & eventually got an appointment after speaking to two very nice & polite doctors who wanted me to be seen before Monday at my GPs. On arrival at the Unit I was told to take a seat. There was only one other patient who was called into see a doctor. Eventually a junior doctor who was chatting in reception called me into a room. I was made to feel like I was making my symptoms up. I was told if it was a virus then it could last for weeks. I was advised to take paracetamol & wait it out. I was given a script for steroids in case I might need them! As an asthma sufferer I am aware of the course my condition will take & therefore anticipate when I will need treatment in order to avoid admission to hospital. What are my complaints? I felt I was dismissed & no credit was given to my own knowledge of my own condition ie asthma I felt a thorough examination did not take place. I felt I was given no respect or dignity. I have worked as a nurse & midwife in the NHS all of my life & am aware of the need for respect & a caring attitude towards patients/ service users. I did not get that respect or feel welcome when I attended today. This is not my overall view of Wansbeck Hospital which I consider a centre with excellent standatrds of care. This one experience with one junior doctor & reception staff has certainly affected my view of the out of hours service & will recommend friends & family go elsewhere if possible.
"Visit to out of hours Clinic based at Wansbeck..."
About: Wansbeck Hospital Wansbeck Hospital Ashington NE63 9JJ
Posted via nhs.uk
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