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No one to discuss my concerns with

Posted By K11 C

"No one to discuss my concerns with"

About: Crosshouse Hospital / Gynaecology

(as a service user),

I had an appointment at the pre op centre at Crosshouse hospital for an upcoming operation. I met the Pharmacist and a nurse. There was no meeting with an anaesthetist or anyone from the Gynaecology department to discuss the operation or any concerns /questions I had with. 

I've heard of many other people attending pre op appointments in NHS Ayrshire and Arran and have always had a member of the team of the department carrying out the operation and also anaesthetist but none there for me to speak to.

The department were running late and I was one of the last there, was this the reason why? Who knows. When you're anxious you don't want to cause "trouble" but actually I'm left more anxious about the unknown of the operation.

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Responses

Response from Attica Wheeler, Midwifery and Site Director, Women and Children's Services, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 3 weeks ago
Attica Wheeler
Midwifery and Site Director, Women and Children's Services,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Manages Paediatrics both acute and community services, Sexual Health Services Gynaecology Services Maternity Services Fertility Services Neonatal Services SARC services

Submitted on 14/05/2025 at 10:11
Published on Care Opinion at 10:11

Dear K11 C

please contact Lee-Ann Waterman on 01563825441 and quote care opinion so that we can investigate your message and support your pre operation consultation.

This is not normal practice and we would like to understand why it occurred

Kind regards

Attica

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Response from Fiona King, POA Manager, Pre-Op, NHS Ayrshire & Arran 3 weeks ago
Fiona King
POA Manager, Pre-Op,
NHS Ayrshire & Arran

Submitted on 14/05/2025 at 11:52
Published on Care Opinion at 13:21

Dear K11 C,

Thank you for submitting your feedback, it is always helpful for us to hear how patients feel their appointments went. This can help us look at our processes and make improvements where possible.

I'm so sorry you were left feeling more anxious about your operation, the best person to discuss this with would be your Consultant Gynaecologist.

The purpose of pre-op assessment is to identify any medical conditions which could be optimised prior to surgery as well as affording us an opportunity to discuss your health, medication, home circumstances and carry out any investigations that may be necessary. We also offer advice on prehabilitation / health promotion which can help as you prepare for surgery. Not all pre-op assessment appointments and investigations are the same; they vary depending on what procedure the patient is having as well as individual medical history.

Pre-op assessment is a nurse-led service. It is not normal practice for a Consultant Surgeon to be present at the pre-op assessment appointment.

We have support from our Consultant Anaesthetist colleagues, but they do not see every patient face to face. Our nurse practitioners liaise with them for further advice if and when necessary and we have "high risk" clinic appointments for patients who have a more complex medical history.

Please be assured that the time of day does not affect the standard of care we provide to our patients, nor which health professionals you would see.

Again I'm sorry we failed to meet your expectations and as such I'd be happy to discuss this further with you.

Please give me a call on 01563 825167 if you would like to discuss this further or if there is anything else I can help you with.

Kind regards and very best wishes for your surgery and ongoing recovery.

Fiona

Fiona King

Pre-op assessment manager

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by K11 C (a service user)

Thank you for replying.

I'm aware that they attend at some pre op assessment appointments within NHS Ayrshire and Arran so it's disappointing that they don't attend all especially when you have concerns about GA.

Thanks.

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