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"Helped us in our time of need"

About: Victoria Hospital / Outpatients

(as a service user),

Myself and my wife were in to see a consultant who gave us the worst possible news that my wife's cancer had spread. This news was absolutely not what we expected and 2 minutes after it we were sent to the waiting room for an ecg. My wife and myself were crying and devastated as everyone just walked past us, the consultant didn't even give us time to process this. That was the bad.

Next came the good. A lady called Alison walked passed and stopped to ask if we were ok, my wife couldn't contain herself and burst into tears. Alison placed a hand on her hand and asked if there was anything she could do. She guided us to an empty office and sat with us for a few moments whilst we  got ourselves together. She also offered a bit of advice, she said take each day as it comes and surround yourself with friends and family that can pick up the pieces though this turbulent time. She then went to the ecg dept and explained that we were in the side room and asked if they could give is  some time to absorb the news.

She most definitely helped us in our time of need and I think she should be there for all cancer patients. She was our light at the end of a tunnel and she explained what would happen next and that we should not to put too much pressure on ourselves. I didn't get her surname but I know she works for a nurse bank but loves working with outpatients. She also said that the team at outpatients would all help in anyway that they could. This one tiny meeting helped us navigate things that little bit better. Thank you Alison, you absolutely heled us through a tough appointment. Also the gentleman in ecg whose name I didn't catch. Alison also gave us leaflets and told us about organisations to turn to.

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Responses

Response from Angela Glancey, Clinical Nurse Manager, Medical Directorate, NHS Fife 8 months ago
Angela Glancey
Clinical Nurse Manager, Medical Directorate,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 09/10/2024 at 18:34
Published on Care Opinion at 18:34


picture of Angela Glancey

Dear indiaxt38

Thank you so much for getting in touch and I am so sorry to hear your news. I want to thank you for kind words about Alison and I will ensure I pass it on to both her and the Nurse Bank Manager.

I am so sorry to hear how you were treated after you had been given such devastating news and whilst I understand Alison helped with finding you somewhere private, I wonder if you would mind letting me know further information about the appointment to see if there was anyway we can learn from it. I am really disappointed to hear you were not given the time and support needed to be able to even start to comprehend this news.

It is good to hear Alison was able to give you information for further links but if you require any further help and support, please do not hesitate to contact me. Maggie's is also available and offers both drop in sessions and appointments which can be helpful for you and your wife.

Once again thank you for getting in touch, I will pass on your kind comments to Alison and if there is anything else I can help with I am happy for you to get in touch.

Best wishes

Angela Glancey

Clinical Nurse Manager for Outpatients

Acute Services Medical Directorate

01592 643355 ext 20099

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