"Mis-communication at Fracture clinic"

I fractured my wrist in the summer and attended the minor injury unit and the fracture clinic in ARI for it to be diagnosed and treated. I had never broken a bone before and was quite nervous about the whole thing and how it would affect my ability to work. All the staff seemed friendly and professional. However, throughout the whole experience there seemed to be a lack of communication. When the fracture was diagnosed (out of hours), I was told to wear a splint until the doctor had a chance to look at the x-ray, then I would likely need to come back in for a cast. The person who I saw at the minor injury unit was great - took time to answer my questions and explained things fully. 

A few days after this, I had a call to say it was fractured but I didn't need to come back in for an earlier appointment. I would get a standard clinic appointment letter sent out. 

When I turned up for my appointment (4 weeks after the break), the clinician who examined me said I should have already been in a cast, so I got one at that appointment. I had never had a cast before, the plaster technician did explain briefly what I could/couldn't do and handed me a leaflet for a shower protector. This conversation happened as they were walking round the plaster room preparing, so I felt like I didn't take it all in. I must admit I was a bit in shock as I had no idea how to cope with working and my caring responsibilities being unable to use one hand, and I wasn't expecting it as I had been told previously I didn't need one. I was lucky I hadn't driven to my appointment!

Every appointment I had at the fracture clinic involved me having to repeat the history of the break, with them taking notes. This made up the bulk of my time with the doctors. They would then real off everything they thought/had planned. They would always ask at the end if I had any questions, but often I was still processing what they said, and I can't think that quickly! 

All the staff were really nice and professional, but I felt very much an inconvenience and that they were in a rush to get through the backlog of patients. I know they are busy but it isn't a nice feeling when you are scared. Taking a few extra  minutes to explain things fully and having someone to contact with a question later would have made me feel a bit more at ease.