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Lack of focus on patient history

Posted By Rheumappt

"Lack of focus on patient history"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Accident & Emergency

(as a service user),

I was sent to A&E by my GP with severe rib pain, a temperature and a high heart rate. I was seen by triage very quickly- this seemed rushed and no history was taken which would have noted significant underlying health conditions. Bloods were attempted but failed. 

2 hours later I was taken to the emergency assessment bit. The advanced clinical nurse specialist and doctor I saw here were excellent and at this point I finally had bloods taken, X-ray etc. I did not have further obs taken which is surprising given my presentation. 

I was sent home with antibiotics and painkillers but represented at my GP the following day with worsening pain. 

I'm concerned that it felt there was a lack of focus on patient history meant that underlying health conditions and previous episodes of sepsis were missed. Thankfully I'm now finally on the mend. 

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Responses

Response from Kirsti Smith, Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Department, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - NHS Lothian yesterday
Kirsti Smith
Clinical Nurse Manager, Emergency Department,
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh - NHS Lothian

Submitted on 26/01/2026 at 14:45
Published on Care Opinion at 14:45

Dear Rheumappt,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story on Care Opinion, we value the opportunity to hear about our patient experience. I was saddened to read about your experience whilst attending Emergency department at the Royal Infirmary. It can be a really worrying time and I understand when you feel rushed, not given enough time to share your medical history it can cause further concern and distress. The Emergency Department employs a robust and methodical triage process that focusses on any current health complaints. This allows the nurse to direct your care to the most appropriate part of the Emergency Department for further assessment and history taking.

I was pleased to hear that you felt the care provided by the advanced clinical nurse specialist and doctor in the emergency assessment area was of a high standard.

Your feedback has been shared with the Emergency Department team, who will review your experience to understand areas that may be improved particularly for individuals with complex medical histories.

Once again, I am sorry for your experience. I am pleased to hear you are now improving and I wish you continued improvement in your health.

Thank you again for taking the time to provide this valuable feedback. If you wish to give further feedback then please do not hesitate to contact the NSH Lothian Patient Experience Team via the following methods:

By telephone

0131 536 3370 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 2pm)

By email

LOTH.Feedback@nhs.scot

Kind regards,

Kirsti

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