"The nurses were always very helpful and..."

What I liked

The nurses were always very helpful and friendly. Appointments were easy to get and change and even in walk in services waiting times were not too long. I visited this hospital three times. The first two times, getting a blood test and x-rays, done was absolutely fine. I was only treated by the nurses at these occasions who were very competent.

What could be improved

My GP had diagnosed an infected and painful lump in my breast. As I am only in my earl 20s the doctor said it was likely to clear off some medication. However, after 3 painful months the lump was only getting worse and my GP decided that I needed to see a specialist. The doctor contacted the Princess Alexandra Hospital and they gave me an appointment. At this time I had had a very painful and infected lump in my breast for over 3 months. I came to my appointment and waited for the doctor, who came soon enough. The doctor walked into the room, without looking at me or introducing himself, and asked for my age. I told the dcotor my age and wanted to start explaining my issue. The doctor interrupted me by asking me to lift my arms, then felt both of my breats for about 15 seconds. Then said that as I was only in my early 20s there was nothing wrong with my breasts and that I could go home. Next walked straight out of the room again. The doctor was in there for hardly more than 1 minute. I was devastated and near to tears as there clearly was something wrong with my breast, but the doctor just seemed to have decided that because of my age they did not even have any interest in properly examining or even listening to me. The best part came two weeks later when I received a letter at my home address, but to my GPs name saying that after a "thorough" examination the doctor could be absolutely sure there was nothing wrong with me. I was shocked and devastated and had never before been treated with less respect by a doctor. After 2 more months of pain I finally got to see another specilaits in a different hospital, who finally got me the treatment I needed to end my pain. Princess Alexandra Hospital - never again!