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Tired A&E doctor at Victoria Infirmary

Posted By Relative and Medic

"Tired A&E doctor at Victoria Infirmary"

About: Victoria Infirmary / Accident & Emergency

(as a relative),

My father was admitted with angina bordering on a suspected heart attack by ambulance to the Victoria Infimary A&E at around 12pm.

He noticed that the A&E doctor asked him questions about his symptoms but seemed to be only half-listening to the answers. As a result they had to repeat some questions which he had already answered.

My dad asked if they had been working the night shift and if it had been busy, to try and account for why they were absent-minded. The doctor replied unashamedly: "No, it was just a very late night out last night." It appeared that they did not think that admitting this to a patient in their care was unprofessional at all, and did not seem to realise that my father's trust in them decreased after saying this.

It seems that in our culture it has become acceptable to admit to your patients that you may be less competent as a result of partying/drinking. I hope that this will be passed on to the A&E department so that the younger generation of doctors realise the effect that words have on older patients.

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Responses

Response from John Hamilton, Head of Board Administration, Board Administration, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 12 years ago
John Hamilton
Head of Board Administration, Board Administration,
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Act as the Secretary to the Health Board and responsible for complaints, freedom of information requests, health board administration, lead officer for Vale of Leven Public Inquiry and responsible for Ministerial briefings and MSPs correspondence to the Chief executive

Submitted on 03/02/2012 at 15:54
Published on Care Opinion at 17:00

Thank you for the Patient Opinion which you logged on the website in early January 2012.

It is of great concern to learn that a member of the team projected such a poor image of themselves and the Hospital from the observations made in our Emergency Department.

We agree that the member of staff described in the correspondence failed to project a professional and reassuringly dedicated approach to caring for patients.

This concern has been discussed and highlighted with all staff particularly junior medical staff. The therapeutic value of projecting a positive, professional approach to patient care has been emphasised. This is particularly important during such a stressful time for patients and relatives when attending the Emergency Department.

Unfortunately without more specific detail we are unable to answer any specific points raised. However we appreciate the feedback and would like to reassure that the concerns raised have been duly addressed by senior managerial staff responsible for junior medical staff throughout the Victoria Infirmary.

Thank you once again for giving us an opportunity to look into your concerns via Patient Opinions.

Regards,

John

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