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Care Opinion

I still haven't seen a specialist

Posted By Huatulco

"I still haven't seen a specialist"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Gastroenterology (Stomach and Gut) General Practices in Grampian

(as a service user),

A trainee GP took my symptoms seriously and referred me to gastroenterology.   The very first words from the Consultant as I sat down were "You don't have chronic pancreatitis".     I had to ask the consultant to listen to my symptoms.   Previous scans were checked and it was found that I have a pancreatic birth defect (unknown to me).    

Various tests and scans were done.   About 3 weeks later I noticed a new drug was added to my repeat prescription. I had to ask my GP practice for a doctor to tell me why. I received a phone call stating I had chronic pancreatitis and needed to take a drug every time I ate for ever.   Almost 3 months later I still haven't seen a gastro enterologist, despite my GP writing to them twice.   Today I was told I had to see a general surgeon in order to be seen by gastroenterology.     ARI is deemed a "specialist centre" for pancreatic problems. Supposedly these are "... to improve quality of life by ensuring that people have the right treatment and follow-up, and get timely information and support after diagnosis. ".  

To say that I feel let down is an understatement.

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Responses

Response from Fiona Robertson, Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP, NHS Grampian 4 years ago
Fiona Robertson
Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 13/02/2020 at 18:43
Published on Care Opinion at 18:43

Dear Huatulco

Many thanks for detailing your experience and I am sorry that you have cause to raise concerns regarding future plans for your ongoing condition and lack of information to support your diagnosis.

In order to progress your concerns and provide you with an update, it would be helpful if you could contact me on the e mail address detailed below with your name and date of birth. This would allow me to establish more information and the plans for your ongoing referral.

Many thanks

Fiona Robertson

Chief Nurse

fionarobertson@nhs.net

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Response from Fiona Robertson, Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP, NHS Grampian 4 years ago
Fiona Robertson
Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 16/02/2020 at 22:17
Published on Care Opinion at 22:17

Dear Huatulco

Thanks for getting in touch via my email address and pleased that I was able to confirm your appointment in March to see a Gastroenterologist.This will allow you to get some answers to your questions and an effective treatment plan going forward.

With best wishes

Fiona

Fiona Robertson

Chief Nurse

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Update posted by Huatulco (a service user)

As promised I've received an appointment to see a Gastroenterologist, so many thanks to Fiona Robertson for her intervention. Strange thing is, however, that today I received an appointment for a gastrological procedure which no one has discussed with me as I haven't seen a specialist yet.. Am I missing something here, or does this department have a problem communicating with patients? I did phone the number on the letter but you actually can't speak to anyone - you can only leave a message and hope that someones gets back to you.

Response from Fiona Robertson, Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP, NHS Grampian 4 years ago
Fiona Robertson
Chief Nurse, Dr Gray's Hospital & Moray HSCP,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 20/02/2020 at 17:01
Published on Care Opinion at 17:01

Dear Huatulco

Thanks for your further post and apologies again re the lack of communication in terms of the procedure and forthcoming appointment. Given that we had recent correspondence outwith Care Opinion, I have been in touch with the related services to share your concerns following this post and they have arranged for a consultant to call you direct.

Hope this helps clarify thing.

With best wishes

Fiona Robertson

Chief Nurse

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Update posted by Huatulco (a service user)

Thanks again for your intervention, Fiona. A surgeon called me to explain the reason for the appointment. Thank you.

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