"Having visited out patients today ..."

What could be improved

Having visited out patients today with a friend, I was appaled to find out that her Nerve Induction Results were not with the Consultant some 9weeks after this test was carried out.

We were then sent back into the waiting room to await the results, the staff at out patients were on the phone trying to get them, for about 30 mins, in the end a member of staff had to take down the results over the phone. So that my friend could be seen by the consultant. Organisation & communications between departments leave a lot to be desired. Even the consultant rang the department to complain. DO these very busy Consultants & out patients staff have time to paper chase. I dont think so!! Staff at out patients are very polite and caring, but to enable them to carry on doing a good job everyone NEEDS to work as a team.

When a patient have seen a Consultant who recommends further tests, a coloured sticker needs to be put on the patients file, and kept to one side without filing away, until the results are back and in the file. These results need to be chased on a regular basis.Once this has happened the file can then be file away. EASY!! just a little thought & good administration skills.