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

"I have appreciated the care of the neurology nurse"

About: Neurology / Neurology/Neurosurgery Outpatients Area 3A Stracathro Hospital / Radiology

(as the patient),

I had an operation in Glasgow in 2013 to remove an acoustic neuroma. The operation was successful and I  recovered well enough to live a pretty fruitful life. The follow up scans and care were satisfactory, and a few years ago flagged up a possible regrowth. As a result I was scheduled for annual scans. In 2022 I moved to Tayside, and have had two scans at Stracathro Hospital, which didn't show any problems to be concerned about. 

I'm writing here to say how much I have appreciated the care of the Neurology nurse Elaine. I have always appreciated speaking with consultants, but Elaine brings a further perspective to my ongoing neurological care. I have had other medical issues to deal with (chronic fatigue, and an apparent heart episode),  and sometimes it has been hard to work out what has caused what. Consultants at Ninewells understandably tend to focus only on their own specialism and expertise, but Elaine has been able to focus on the bigger picture and provide some information on potential issues that people can face living in the aftermath of a neuroma operation. It seems to me that what she brings to the Neurology Team is very important, and it is much appreciated. 

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

Responses

Response from Nicola McKee, Lead Nurse, Specialist Services, NHS Tayside 2 months ago
Nicola McKee
Lead Nurse, Specialist Services,
NHS Tayside

I work as a Lead nurse within the Triumvirate structure for Specialist Services. I provided Leadership and Professional Nursing support to the following teams: Renal, Oncology, Haematology, Neurosciences (which include Neurology, Neurosurgery and all linked specialities), Genetics, Radiology, Advanced Intervention Service and Pain Service in addition to this I also provide Professional support to Stracthro Regional Treatment Centre

Submitted on 14/02/2024 at 10:30
Published on Care Opinion at 10:30


picture of Nicola McKee

Dear attendantrr55,

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this lovely feedback. Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding. We are keen to share your feedback with the staff directly and in particular with the nurse you have referenced. Unfortunately we have been unable to identify this nurse within our Neurology team. Given the positive impact this nurse has had on your experiences I am really keen to identify her. If you have any further detail that you are willing to share I would be grateful if you could contact our patient experience team directly on Telephone: 0800 027 5507 or Email: TAY.feedback@nhs.scot

Sending you warmest wishes for your ongoing recovery

Nicola McKee, Lead Nurse, Specialist Services

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by attendantrr55 (the patient)

Hi Nicola, the nurse in question was Elaine.

Her care was exemplary, however some other areas of my care fell short. On one occasion when I requested to see the consultant in person, he had not personally seen my scan and did not have it in front of him. And for my latest scan, as Elaine pointed out, the scan that had been done was done without contrast, and thus was not very clear.

Regards

Response from Nicola McKee, Lead Nurse, Specialist Services, NHS Tayside 2 months ago
Nicola McKee
Lead Nurse, Specialist Services,
NHS Tayside

I work as a Lead nurse within the Triumvirate structure for Specialist Services. I provided Leadership and Professional Nursing support to the following teams: Renal, Oncology, Haematology, Neurosciences (which include Neurology, Neurosurgery and all linked specialities), Genetics, Radiology, Advanced Intervention Service and Pain Service in addition to this I also provide Professional support to Stracthro Regional Treatment Centre

Submitted on 14/02/2024 at 15:25
Published on Care Opinion at 15:25


picture of Nicola McKee

Dear attendantrr55,

Thank you for providing some further information. We have been able to identify Elaine as a Specialist Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) nurse and have shared your feedback with her directly. As she does not have access to post a response, she has asked that I relay her gratitude for your kind words that made her feel valued and appreciated.

I am sorry to hear that some other aspects of your care fell short. If this is something you would like us to investigate further on your behalf, you can contact our Patient Experience Team on Telephone: 0800 027 5507 or Email: TAY.feedback@nhs.scot

Kind regards

Nicola McKee, Lead Nurse, Specialist Services

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by attendantrr55 (the patient)

Hi again Nicola,

Elaine’s care was great, and it is what I have often experienced from nurses.. The point I really wanted to make was how good it was to have a nurse as part of the team. Over the years I was looked after in Glasgow I had great care from consultants, better than from Tayside consultants, but I did not have direct contact with nurses, and I think that Tayside’s use of nurses in my follow up is a really good idea.

Regards

Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k