I was referred to the breast clinic by my GP and was told it could take 2 weeks to be seen. I received a call the next day to make an appointment for the following week. I asked if there was any information leaflet relating to the clinic, but the girl told me there would not be enough time to get it to me - the appointment was 6 days later, Royal Mail is not that slow! - so I had to search the internet for information of what to expect from my visit.
When I arrived at the clinic, the receptionist could not find me on the system at first, and I had to repeat my details several times before she eventually found me.
I was called immediately and seen Mr Musyoka who was kind and gentle and explained what would happen during my clinic visit. I went to the radiology department for my mammogram, ultrasound and had 3 biopsies done at the same time.
The radiographer was very nice (didn't catch her name), the auxilliary nurse Christine and the radiologist Laura Wilkinson were both patient and explained everything as they were going along. After my scans were reported, I was sent back round to the clinic where Mr Musyoka and the breast care nurse Alison Mitchell explained what would happen next. I was to return the following week for the results and I had to make a repeat appointment on the way out.
When I went back to the reception desk, the staff were once again not very helpful. I was asked to make an appointment for the end of the clinic as I was receiving results and this would mean plenty of time to discuss them, but the staff did not seem to appreciate this and I had to explain myself several times which I found distressing.
Eventually the appointment was made correctly, but I really feel that more compassion is required by the reception staff when dealing with sensitive matters in a very public place.
Besides this negative experience with the reception staff, I have nothing but praise for the other staff involved in my care during a very stressful time for both me and my Husband, and wish to commend each and every member of the team. I am just sorry I didn't catch all the names of the staff involved.
"Kind staff and quick service at breast clinic"
About: Royal Alexandra Hospital / General Surgery (wards 19, 20, 24, 26 &29) Royal Alexandra Hospital General Surgery (wards 19, 20, 24, 26 &29) PA2 9PN
Posted by evelynv (as ),
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See more responses from Lorna Fairlie
Update posted by evelynv (the patient) 9 years ago