Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

Quickly put me at ease

Posted By rcdsal163

"Quickly put me at ease"

About: Fife Community Services / Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS) General practices in Fife

(as a staff member posting for a patient/service user),

I was contacted by the RCDS team following a GP referral.  This came as quite a shock as my GP did not advise me that they had referred me to this unit.  I found it difficult at first and was quite upset. 

However the staff at the RCDS quickly put me at ease and explained, in detail, the steps that would be taken for various test which included a CT Scan.  After the initial phone call everything was done at high speed. The scan was arranged quickly and within days my case was dealt with. 

The RCDS were wonderful but I wish my GP had given me more info at the outset which would have reduced my anxiety. 

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

Responses

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife 4 months ago
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 05/03/2025 at 13:19
Published on Care Opinion at 13:19

Dear rcdsal163,

My name is Murdina MacDonald. I am the Lead Professional Nurse for RCDS. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of care. I can only imagine how unsettling it must have been to receive an unexpected referral without prior discussion from your GP. It is completely understandable that this would have caused you some initial distress, and I am sorry that your referral was not communicated to you in a way that would have better prepared you for what was to come.

However, I am truly heartened to hear that once you were in contact with our team, you felt supported and reassured. Our goal is always to minimise uncertainty and ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate, and well-coordinated care, so I am pleased that the team was able to provide clarity, arrange your tests quickly, and guide you through the process with professionalism and kindness.

Your feedback about the need for clearer communication from GPs is invaluable, and I will ensure that this is shared with our colleagues in primary care. We want to do everything possible to reduce unnecessary anxiety and ensure that every patient feels informed and supported at every stage of their journey.

Wishing you all the best in the future

Warm regards

Murdina

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k