"Lack of empathy"

A very good friend of mine had several stays in Ward 4. She had nothing but praise for the staff.

She did, however, have a really bad experience with a consultant who had visited her along with several students while she was eating her breakfast. There were 5 other patients in the ward she was in. The consultant told her in full hearing of all around that she had possibly 2 days, 4 days, a week or a few weeks left to live.

Devastating news, however instead of comforting words for my friend, the consultant then proceeded to ask the students questions about various test results. There was absolutely no empathy shown and a complete lack of compassion and privacy for my friend.

What an appalling way to deliver bad news to a patient when there was no family or friend support at hand. There was no consideration given for the effect such news would have on someone and I feel a really poor teaching example for the students present.

The statement on University Hospital Hairmyres' website states that everyone who uses NHS Services has rights, and that these rights ensure people are treated with consideration, dignity and respect. That was not the case for my friend.