"Rushed appointment"

I recently attended for a CT scan at The City Hospital Cancer Centre. Firstly I found out about my appointment through the MyCare app and I had not received a letter to advise of my appointment. 

A week before my appointment a staff member left a voicemail asking me to confirm my appointment and asked me to return their call on a particular number. When I phoned the number given it was unrecognised. I then tried to get through via switchboard. When I got through, I asked if there was anything I had to do in preparation for my scan for example if I had to fast. The staff member advised they would put me through to the Radiographer, at which point my call was cut off. I then phoned the next day and the staff member was very helpful and answered my query. 

On the day of the appointment I was phoned by a member of staff who asked if I could attend my appointment earlier than planned, which I agreed to. On arrival I met a member of staff who did not introduce theirself to me but advised me to remove my clothes from my top half and put on a gown. When I was changing, the member of staff opened the door and entered the changing room without warning, advising me that I did not need to remove any clothing. Again, they did not introduce theirself to me but they were wearing a name badge and I recalled their name from our earlier telephone call. I felt so rushed and couldn't help thinking the staff just wanted to finish early for the day.

As a healthcare professional myself, this experience has really shown me the importance of introducing myself to my patients, making them feel comfortable and giving them clear instructions on the examinations I will be carrying out.

Please learn from these mistakes. Attending for a hospital appointment, particularly for a scan is a worrying experience. It is up to those providing the service to ensure the patient is made to feel comfortable and treated with dignity.