"Treatment centre Appointment"

Anything else?

My appointment was with my consultant - annual follow up from surgery for breast cancer. The clinic was running1and quarter hours late. I understand that this sometimes happens unavoidably, however information about the delay was not timely. Half an hour after my appointment was due the screen showed the clinic 30 mins delay, 15 mins later and still waiting it said 45 mins. !5 mins later (1 hour after my appointment time) I was taken into the corridor area where I waited for another 15 mins. Had I known how long I was to wait I would have gone for a walk or had a coffee, the information given about delay was useless and inaccurate. The nurse who took me into the corridor area could have smiled, apologised, made eye contact and said please. She did none of this until later when I actually went in to see my consultant. I know these are small things but they stop you feeling like a non-person. It is sometimes very difficult to attend clinics which coincide with the traumatic time of diagnosis and just waiting makes it harder. Your emotions are high by the time you get into the surgeon - a walk, a wait somewhere more comfortable or a coffee can be a godsend.

I have nothing but praise for the treatment I have had at Hinchingbrooke. The staff have been exceptional. One of the MacMillan nurses wasn't around today and she is very aware how impersonal it can all be and how difficult too, and makes a point of making you feel like a person. My consultant was excellent and made me feel like he had all the time in the world for me!

So main points:

Better and more timely information on delays

Sometimes a brief reason can aid understanding or someone just apologising to the waiting group

All staff to remember we are people first and patients second

Waiting in the corridor is uncomfortable - not enough space and not very private. Should only go there 5 mins at most before being seen.

Thank you for all the excellent treatment I have had