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Wholeheartedly disappointed in the lack of care or compassio...

Posted By Sickgirl

"Wholeheartedly disappointed in the lack of care or compassion"

About: Royal Alexandra Hospital / Accident & Emergency Royal Alexandra Hospital / Gynaecology (Ward 32) Royal Alexandra Hospital / Urology

(as the patient),

Attended OOH GP, who had advised I would need to present to A&E to be seen by Gynaecology for sudden severe lower abdominal pain. Told they were busy and may be diverted to the QEUH as they didn't have beds.

Attended A&E at 8pm and as I was earmarked for gynae, who were aware I was waiting, though no-one came near me for hours on end.

Took me 6.5 hours to get a cubicle, which curtain didn't even shut properly so had no privacy despite being a breastfeeding mother and having to pump while in attendance.

I'd been told I could wash pump parts so I could continue to pump, but was rudely shouted at by staff for being in the kitchen after being told I could do this. I asked for milk to be stored which I was told was fine by one and not fine by others. 

In the 15 hours I was there I was offered food once, 12 hours after being there and only when I complained that I was starving, having had a sandwich from the vending machine since 2pm that day. Multiple nurses on request went to check what was happening never to be seen again. Waited over an hour ever single time I asked for analgesia. 

As I was 5 months post partum, they told me my scan 6 months ago was fine so they wouldn't scan me again, despite since then having a traumatic birth and sudden onset of pain, and due to having a rare bladder condition I was told it was likely this, despite voicing again and again this was completely different, told they'd refer me to urology who told me they wouldn't do anything.

So after 15 hours I am going home with no further input, zero sleep and very little care actually delivered.

Having a chronic condition I am no stranger to hospitals, A&E and OOH and despite OOH being quick and efficient the rest of my experience has left me upset and anxious as I am now dealing with unknown cause of worsening pain and having to look after a small child. Was advised maybe chat to the GP about a gynae referral for a scan.

Just wholeheartedly disappointed in the lack of care or compassion..

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Responses

Response from Nikki Harvey, Lead nurse -Gynaecology, Gynaecology, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last month
Nikki Harvey
Lead nurse -Gynaecology, Gynaecology,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 30/05/2025 at 10:52
Published on Care Opinion at 10:52

picture of Nikki Harvey

Dear Sickgirl,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and please accept our sincere apologies for the distress and frustration you faced during your recent attendance.

We are truly sorry to hear about the prolonged wait you endured, the lack of privacy and support for your breastfeeding needs, and the confusion around basic necessities such as food and medication. These are not the standards of care or compassion that we strive to provide within our services.

As a post-partum patient managing a chronic condition and caring for a young baby, you deserved to feel heard, safe, and supported at every stage of your journey. It is particularly upsetting to learn that your concerns were not taken seriously, especially in light of new and severe symptoms, and that you left without answers or reassurance. We deeply regret any additional anxiety or pain this has caused you.

Your experience with conflicting information—regarding where you could wash your pump, store milk, or even receive basic support—clearly reflects a breakdown in communication.

We are especially concerned that you did not feel listened to when voicing that your pain was different and deserved a fresh review. Every patient’s concerns, particularly when there is a significant medical history involved, should be met with an open mind and careful assessment. We are sorry this did not happen for you.

Please know your feedback will be taken seriously and shared with the relevant teams, including A&E and the gynaecology on-call team, to ensure lessons are learned and improvements made.

If you feel able, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly to further understand what happened and how we can help.

I can be contacted on the e-mail below if you wish me to explore your gynaecology concerns further.:

Nikki.Harvey@nhs.scot

Thank you again for your honesty. We hope you are receiving the care you need now and encourage you to seek a follow-up through your GP if symptoms persist. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can support you further.

Kind regards,

Nikki

Nikki Harvey Lead Nurse Gynaecology

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Response from Gerry McLaughlin, Lead Nurse, Emergency Care and Medical Services, NHSGGC last month
Gerry McLaughlin
Lead Nurse, Emergency Care and Medical Services,
NHSGGC

Submitted on 30/05/2025 at 12:14
Published on Care Opinion at 12:14

Dear Sickgirl

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, which as you describe was far from ideal. I am sorry you have had cause to raise this and would value the opportunity to speak with you if indeed you feel up for it.

If so, my email is gerry.mclaughlin@nhs.scot. I would appreciate the time to apologise and hopefully get more details and offer assurances as best I can.

I look forward to hearing from you to arrange a suitable time.

Thanks

Gerry

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