"I feel like my queries weren't taken seriously"

First the good points -  the nursing and technical staff were friendly. But it would be helpful to be told not just their first name  and what they are going to do but also  what their job is. The uniforms at QMC have all changed , at least for the nursing grades, so  we don't know if we are being tested by trained  - ie registered - staff or not. As some of us patients like to know a bit more and not just cruise from one person to another. Time factors good and not a lot of waiting around - for something to happen.

Next to the Dr, who I have discovered was a locum, so perhaps thankfully I won't see them again. I think brusque  and uncommunicative would be an assessment. Any comments made by the patient were shot down. I think they like to use mushroom management - patient doesn't query things, or even ask about the test results obtained. I felt like - me consultant, you mere patient and I do decisions here.

My queries were pertinent. Being a query glaucoma patient the eye pressures are very important to know. since a diagnosis of glaucoma has serious consequences on a patient's lifestyle. The triage nurse had already done a quick puff test and informed me of the results they obtained - without my asking.

 My previous notes measured using ultrasound an unusually thick cornea so standard tests can be unreliable. I reminded the locum of this and was firmly put back in my place with - I have read previous notes- and - a deduction of a few pressure points could be made for the thickness.

I have received a copy of the clinic letter to GP - it is brief, unhelpful and the eye pressure without the compensation has been noted. This leaves me feeling very unhappy, since from past experiences of errors in patient case notes are difficult to change.

 

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