This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?
Care Opinion

Let down by services

Posted By capricornuskb56

"Let down by services"

About: Altnagelvin Area Hospital / Radiology

(as the patient),

Long story short, the Western Trust continue to fail in terms of care.

Non-contrast MRI carried out earlier this year. Further referral submitted for Contrast MRI. This was passed and approved as informed by Hospital in question.

On contacting the radiology dept yet again re appointment list, was informed that a request for more information regarding scan had been sent to GP from Consultant Radiologist (even though I was previously told it had been approved.)

Followed up with GP and was informed eventually that Consultant Radiologist had stated that the contrast MRI would not be carried out as it was too risky re kidneys etc. (Maybe the trust should consider superior alternatives to the contrast agent that they currently use and follow in the footsteps of other countries that are renowned world class leaders in healthcare.) I was baffled to say the least. This makes no sense whatsoever. I could go on and on but I’ll save my reasoning for why in the meantime.

I was advised that the Consultant Radiologist would carry out a non-contrast MRI, even though I’ve already had that done as stated above. Great use of services and time. Quite obviously this trust will go above and beyond to continue to cover up again and again.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Joanne McFeely, Clinical Specialist, Radiology Department Altnagelvin Hosspital, WHSCT 5 months ago
Joanne McFeely
Clinical Specialist, Radiology Department Altnagelvin Hosspital,
WHSCT

Submitted on 24/11/2023 at 11:04
Published on Care Opinion at 11:12

Hi capricornuskb56

Thank you for your feedback

In Altnagelvin, GP's cannot request MR Contrast examinations, these will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and upon discussion with a Consultant Radiologist.

I would like to assure you that the Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents (GBCA) administered in Altnagelvin are used worldwide.

These GBCA's are administered in accordance with current Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidelines.

In line with this guidance, only low and medium risk GBCA's are stocked in Altnagelvin and prescription is based on a risk:benefit basis.

The WHSCT is working in line with the rest of the UK.

The complaints procedure is available for you to pursue should you feel this response does not address your concerns.

Kind Regards

Joanne McFeely

Assistant Radiology Services Manager

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Michelle Scott, Patient Client Experience Lead, Primary Care and Older Person, Western Health and Social Care Trust 5 months ago
Michelle Scott
Patient Client Experience Lead, Primary Care and Older Person,
Western Health and Social Care Trust

I am the gatekeeper of Care Opinion and 10,000 voices quality improvement initiative for the Western Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 28/11/2023 at 10:23
Published on Care Opinion at 10:23

picture of Michelle Scott

Hello capricornuskb56

My name is Michelle Scott Patient Client Experience Lead for the trust.

I wanted to firstly thank you for leaving your feedback. I noted you found the response 'unhelpful'. As the gatekeeper for Care Opinion I was saddened to hear that you found the response this way and would like to invite you to contact me to further discuss your experience please. my numbers are: 07833402847 / 02871345171 Ext 214486

Kind regards

Michelle Scott

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k