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"Unfair treatment when trying to attend a scan"

About: Mater Hospital / Gynaecology Royal Victoria Hospital / Radiology

(as a service user),

I was extremely disappointed & upset to have received a letter on My Care to tell me that I have been discharged back to my GP without any further follow up. 

The very short letter states that I declined 2 scans. This is simply untrue. In fact, I rang last week to inquire about my appointment for my scan and I was advised that the lead sonographer had referred back to my consultant. 

I had been given an appointment for a scan at short notice. I had previously been advised by the person organising my scan to seek advice from my GP re how to deal anxiety & pain so I could proceed with the scan. Because the appointment had been given at such short notice (2 days beforehand) I had been unable to speak to my GP on time.  A locum would ring me back the day after when my scan would have been. 

When I had phoned my GP practice for the 2nd time (the day before my scan) I was advised that the locum was out doing house calls & wouldn’t be calling patients until the following day. When I rang the appointments office I was told I’d be given another appointment. I had no idea that the lead sonographer would refer me back to my consultant who would then discharge me. 

The reason for me not attending the scan should have been recorded & the person organising the scan for me was definitely aware of my problems in proceeding with the scan. It should never have been stated or implied I simply declined. I’ve endured this chronic health problem over a number of years now, which is one reason I’m so fraught and anxious. It means that I’m unable to lead a normal life eg I’m not well enough to work, travel or socialise. 

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Responses

Response from Mary Hanrahan, Interim Co Director, Maternity, Dental, Gynae, Sexual Health and Regional Fertility Service, Belfast HSC Trust 2 months ago
Mary Hanrahan
Interim Co Director, Maternity, Dental, Gynae, Sexual Health and Regional Fertility Service,
Belfast HSC Trust
Submitted on 18/07/2025 at 11:24
Published on Care Opinion at 11:24


picture of Mary Hanrahan

Dear AD2022

I am very sorry to read of your experience in trying to attend a scan in our service. If you contact us via email to PatientExperience@belfasttrust.hscni.net and leave your Health and Care Number this will be shared confidentially with the Gynaecology Service Manager who can contact you directly and determine what support you need to have a scan undertaken in our service.

I hope you will find this response helpful.

Mary

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Response from Stacey Whitley, Governance & Quality Lead, Imaging Service, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust 2 months ago
Stacey Whitley
Governance & Quality Lead, Imaging Service,
Belfast Health & Social Care Trust
Submitted on 18/07/2025 at 11:27
Published on Care Opinion at 11:29


Dear AD2022,

My name is Stacey Whitley, I am the Imaging Governance and Quality Lead for the Belfast Trust. I am very sorry to hear about your experience. Can you please contact 02896156171 and we will look into this right away for you.

Kind Regards,

Stacey

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Update posted by AD2022 (a service user)

When I rang the number above & explained why I was ringing, I was told I was through to maternity & I was sent back to the switchboard.

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