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"Felt like just another name on a list"

About: Queen Margaret Hospital / Breast care service

(as the patient),

I was scheduled for diagnostic tests at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, Fife. Everyone was extremely supportive and helpful, from the mammograms, the ultrasound, and the biopsies, explaining every procedure and making sure I was as comfortable as possible during them.

However, my whole experience was tainted by one staff member I met with before the procedures and after the ultrasound. They were very curt and dismissive, telling me my results looked very suspicious and demonstrating disbelief when I insisted that I had no history of breast cancer in my immediate family. I felt as though I was taking up too much of there time, and didn't want to ask any questions. They simply told me to come back in two weeks. 

I felt bad because the rest of my experience had been so positive, and instead of leaving with the feeling that I would be taken care of, I felt like I was just another name on a list. I do not feel optimistic at all and am dreading meeting with them again, certain that I will hear bad news. Again, I repeat that the rest of the staff I saw that day were the kindest and most encouraging staff I could have hoped for -- thank you! But I have a dark cloud hanging over my head because of the detached attitude of this one staff member.

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Responses

Response from Chris Cartlidge, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Breast Service, NHS Fife yesterday
Chris Cartlidge
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Breast Service,
NHS Fife
Submitted on 07/05/2025 at 09:08
Published on Care Opinion at 09:08


picture of Chris Cartlidge

Thank you for leaving your feedback, I am glad to hear that the majority of your interactions were very positive but obviously disappointed that you didn't feel the same about all of the staff members whom you met. It will be very important to us that you feel supported throughout your journey, you are always free to request another member of staff if you are scheduled to see the same person again.

If you wish to get in touch with the department then we would be happy to look into the matter.

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