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"I felt uncomfortable and vulnerable"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Xrays and Scans

(as the patient),

I was in QEUH for a X-Ray on my right hip.

The staff member I saw made me feel very uncomfortable. I felt they were inexperienced and obviously lacked confidence in what they were doing. The staff member mumbled when they spoke.

Once I was on the bed they started to feel about my left hip. I asked why they were doing that, I was getting the x-ray on my right hip. The response was mumbling something about checking my hip. I reiterated that it was my right hip that has the problem, but they carried on prodding my left hand side. I said I didn't understand the prodding at my left hand side, they replied they would check both sides. But then never checked my right hand side.

I felt very uncomfortable and vulnerable. There was another staff member behind the glass giving instructions but I really feel I need to give feedback. This person did not seem experienced enough to be dealing with patients alone and needs to be given some training and guidance on how to deal confidently with patients.

I left the hospital very anxious and quite upset.

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Responses

Response from Michael McCulloch, Site Superintendent Radiographer - Imaging, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde last month
Michael McCulloch
Site Superintendent Radiographer - Imaging, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 03/09/2025 at 13:05
Published on Care Opinion at 13:05


picture of Michael McCulloch

Dear Huey,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I’m very sorry to hear that your recent visit for an X-ray left you feeling uncomfortable, anxious, and upset. That is not the experience we want for our patients, and I appreciate you letting us know.

In order for us to look into this further and make sure your concerns are addressed, could you please provide us with a little more information? For example, if you could share the date and approximate time of your appointment, and if possible, the area or department you attended within the hospital, that would be very helpful. If you are happy to do so, please provide these details by contacting me directly by telephone on 0141 452 3650 or by email at Michael.McCulloch2@nhs.scot

For context, when a patient attends for a hip X-ray, a full pelvis X-ray is also acquired. This means that both sides of the pelvis and hips will be felt for positioning and centring, to ensure that all the anatomical areas of interest are included within the X-ray image produced. However, I completely agree that this should always be explained clearly beforehand, so that patients know what to expect and feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

Your feedback is very important to us, as it helps ensure our staff provide care that is not only clinically accurate but also delivered with clear communication and sensitivity. Please be assured that we take your concerns seriously and want to understand more about what happened.

Kind regards,

Michael

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