"Alarmingly poor communication"

Russells Hall Visit 15th April

Attended Urgent Care Department (UCD) arriving around 12.noon. I saw a doctor and explained the history of my symptoms and treatment to date which are in summary:

December 2016 Heavy Cold followed by Flu like symptoms mostly clear of symptoms over Christmas period. In the first days of January 2017 I developed the condition which was to last until final diagnosis on 15th April characterised by congestion of throat and chest, coughing up yellowy green mucus and a cough which was steadily worsened.

During the days immediately preceding 15th April I was experiencing noticeable shortage of breath and audible wheezing. I explained that during the preceding 3 and a half months I had visited my GP 3 times. On the first occasion I was prescribed Anti Biotics which did not control the condition. On the second occasion I was sent for a chest x ray and blood tests. On the third occasion, it was revealed that the X ray needed to be retaken due to a technical fault. A fourth GP visit was made which confirmed normal results for the blood tests and x ray. A virus was diagnosed. Due to the complication of the faulty x ray I reported to the UCD doctor 3 GP visits. I was referred to the AEC where the first miscommunication was revealed. A nurse on the reception desk on checking my name and computer screen details said “so you are here because you have had a cough since December.” (eyes rolling as they said this).I did not reply or seek to reply or correct this mistake) The receptionist added that I needed to prepare for a wait of at least 3 hours or more. As preparations were made for blood tests another nurse read out the written information from the UCD doctor and revealed the second miscommunication. The nurse read out “so you have been prescribed 3 lots of Anti Biotics”. I corrected this mistake.

i.e. 3 GP visits one Anti Biotics prescription.

When I was finally seen by 2 Doctors, diagnosis was swift and efficient (Extrinsic Allergic Asthma) followed by immediate administration of medication. I left the hospital after some six hours returning the next day to collect further medication.

The eventual outcome was very satisfactory from my point of view but the poor standard of communication of information was alarming and could in other circumstances led to treatment failure. Hope this is helpful.