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"Elderly father still waiting to be seen"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Neurology (Brain, Spinal and Nerves) General Practices in Grampian

(as a relative),

My elderly father was recently diagnosed with a meningioma. Understandably this has led to considerable stress and worry. He was told someone would be in touch regarding a scan. We are unsure whether or not this requires staging and/or what (if any) treatments are available.

He is still waiting to be seen at ARI. He was not provided with any contact details nor given a timescale, how can we make sure he is listed for an appointment? Its a long time to live with such uncertainty, in the meantime Dad's pain has become problematic.

Accessing his GP for help was particularly difficult as the phone lines are always busy and the appointments system appears to change frequently. This resulted in an elderly gent in poor health and severe pain getting up early after a terrible night to queue outside the health centre in the rain to secure an appointment with his GP. It's 2024, this is unacceptable. 

It would be helpful if some form of contact could be made from ARI outpatients if only to confirm he is on a waiting list and has not been forgotten about.

Thank you.

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Responses

Response from Kirsten Dickson, Quality Improvement and Assurance Facilitator, Quality Improvement and Assurance Team, NHS Grampian 11 months ago
Kirsten Dickson
Quality Improvement and Assurance Facilitator, Quality Improvement and Assurance Team,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 23/07/2024 at 15:04
Published on Care Opinion at 15:04


picture of Kirsten Dickson

Dear Bizzylizzy,

I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s recent diagnosis and can understand your worry around him being seen quickly.

I work for the Quality Improvement & Assurance Team within NHS Grampian and it’s part of my job to make sure stories that are shared with us through Care Opinion reach the right teams. I’m sorry your story wasn't picked up sooner and due to the delay there is every chance that you have managed to find out who to contact for more info by now.

Your story has been tagged for neurology when I think your Dad will be waiting for either a CT or MRI scan. If you call CT scan department on 01224 554517 they should be able to advise your dad if he is on the list. The CT scan team would need to speak directly to your Dad to provide any information on his appointment – unless you have permission to act on his behalf.

I hope your Dad gets the help and support he needs soon.

If you have any issues contacting the team or they aren’t able to help. Please get in touch with me on: kirsten.dickson@nhs.scot or call/ text on: 07885720267.

Take care,

Kirsten

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