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"Disappointed"

About: Musgrove Park Hospital / Diagnostic Imaging Musgrove Park Hospital / General surgery

(as the patient),

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I want to report an existing issue.

In the morning two weeks ago I felt pain in my right breast, and I found a hardness like a knob. As a result I straight away went to Bridgwater Hospital. They checked and said that it is abscess but without ultrasound nothing can be concluded and nothing can be done as they weren’t sure. They told me that I should drink painkillers and urgently go to GP that they send me to the women’s breast clinic in Tauntan.

The next day I went to GP and she confirmed that there is an inflammation, that there is something like a knob and that she would send me as soon as possible to do a test. A week later I was scheduled for an appointment at 11.40. Afterwards I received a call from Musgrove Park Hospital and they told me that they could not accept me and postponed the appointment to the next day at 13.30. On that day I left home and waited my bus 2 h in advance the scheduled appointment I received a call from Hospital and once again they said that they cannot accept me. 

My apologies but it is not a joke and it’s very concerning, it’s not a painful finger or something else, it is my breast and I have something very hard inside. For 2 weeks I drink painkillers. I don’t think I can drink for 2 weeks painkillers, who will treat my stomach after these painkillers? If it’s is a breast cancer? What then? Who will be responsible for it? For 2 weeks I have been very worried and I am in a state of depression and afterwards they tell me for a second time that my appointment is cancelled. At the end of the month I have to fly away for a week and now I have to fly in this condition without knowing what is wrong with me and keep drinking painkillers for 3d and 4th week.  

Can really people be more responsible? If they can’t accept me, can’t they send me to another hospital or do something else? What should I do in this situation?

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Responses

Response from Alison Wootton, Director of Patient Care, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust 5 years ago
Alison Wootton
Director of Patient Care,
Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 18/01/2019 at 13:13
Published on Care Opinion at 16:49


picture of Alison Wootton

Dear Juli,

I have discussed your concerns with Gemma Reeves, Clinical Service Manager of the Breast Care Centre and she recognised your case.

I am sorry for the changes in your appointments this week and for the worry and concern this has caused to you.

We received your referral from your GP on 7th January, and had originally offered you an appointment at the Breast Care Centre on 15th January. Unfortunately due to staffing shortage, caused by unexpected but unavoidable staff illness, we had to reschedule your appointment to the following day which was then changed again due to ongoing staffing shortages. I am very sorry for the frustration and worry this caused you, particularly due to the inconvenience this added with your travel arrangements. I understand we have now been able to offer you an appointment, but appreciate that this does not change the experience you have had. On behalf of the Breast Care Centre, please accept my apologies for the additional worry and disappointment this has caused you.

If you have any further concerns you can call the breast care centre directly or contact Gemma via email on gemma.reeves@tst.nhs.uk.

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