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"Extremely rude member of staff"

About: Vale of Leven General Hospital / Medical Assessment Unit (MAU)

(as the patient),

I attended the Vale of Leven hospital in the evening.  I was experiencing a sensation of a lump in my throat and a tightening.  This was extremely worrying and due to the fact I was struggling to swallow, I thought it best to be assessed.  I explained my symptoms at the window of medical assessment/out of hours gp.  The receptionist took my details and shortly after I was called into the medical assessment side.  I was approached by a member of staff, who asked why I was there which I explained my symptoms,  they then extremely rudely and with hostility, asked what is it was I was doing there? And did I know what this department was for?  They proceeded to tell me if I feel like I’m struggling to swallow and unsure if something is stuck in my throat, I should call an ambulance.  They took my BP (which was extremely elevated due to the fact of their attitude towards me).  I struggle with mental health issues and it takes a lot for me to attend a hospital etc, so for this individual to treat me or anyone attending a hospital this way is absolutely appalling and needs to be addressed.  Staff within a hospital is meant to provide care to anyone walking through their door,  not make them feel like an inconvenience. 

The doctor on shift was extremely helpful and expressed her understanding of why I came to hospital so I’d like to send my gratitude to her.  I was about to leave the hospital just as she walked in because of my horrific experience with that member of staff.  

I would like investigation into this ordeal and happy to have an email where I can send my details to ensure the correct person is questioned about this incident,  I’m sure I’m not the first person they have spoke to with such a despicable manner,  but I hope I’m the last.  

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 4 months ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 03/07/2025 at 11:30
Published on Care Opinion at 11:30


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear FAC1

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience following your recent visit to the Vale of Leven Hospital. I’m very sorry to hear about the distressing interaction you had with a member of staff which left you feeling upset.

Please be assured that all patients should be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion at every stage of their care. I’m glad to hear that the doctor on shift was supportive and helped to reassure you.

As you’ve requested an investigation into this incident, I would encourage you to submit a formal complaint so that your concerns can be fully reviewed and addressed. You can do this by emailing the Complaints Team directly: ggc.complaints@nhs.scot. (It would be helpful if you could include the link to your Care Opinion story: www.careopinion.org.uk/1372881)

Thank you

Nicole

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