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"Doctors professional manner over Covid"

(as a service user),

I had a review appointment with a senior dermatologist doctor regarding a dark mole on my back. This was during the Covid pandemic and so I was unsure as to what to expect with how different the appointment would have been to the previous year. 

Entering the hospital a health worker without warning stood up to test my temperature by placing a thermometer in my ear. I'm sure they had simply become desensitised to it all having likely tested hundreds of patients already however it was my first time and therefore very unsuspected. I was asked if I or anyone in my household felt unwell and instructed to use the antibacterial gel provided and go to reception. 

It was clearly marked out where to stand at reception and my name was taken by the receptionist. They then muttered directions quickly for where I should go next "down the hall to the left" but didn't imply where I should go after that.

After assuming the waiting area was where I should go, I was then called to go and sit in a clinic room. I was left in this clinic room for 10-15 minutes alone, unsure at what point I should check if I been overlooked (again appreciating that things are difficult, unpredictable and very busy with Covid). 

After that the doctor entered and she was incredibly professional, compassionate and informative. She clearly informed me of each step of the review appointment, she made me feel at ease with all of her PPE whilst reassuring me with a well thought-out decision by consulting my mole with her colleague. She made small talk by asking about work over covid etc. making it a comfortable environment. I work with children with special needs and this doctor would have made any of my kids feel at ease with a clear idea of what the review appointment would entail at each step. I'd really love for this doctor to get recognition for her manner! Times are tough in the NHS always and especially in the current situation and I know as an NHS employee how much recognition of your hard work is valued!

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Responses

Response from Leigh Morgan, Engagement Manager, Involvement Team, Northern Health and Social Care Trust 5 years ago
Leigh Morgan
Engagement Manager, Involvement Team,
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 26/06/2020 at 16:30
Published on Care Opinion at 17:21


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Dear Impressed service user,

My name is Leigh and I am the Facilitator for Care Opinion within The Northern Trust. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with your story.

Covid-19 has changed a lot of things within hospital environments. We have had to adapt practices to take account of the required COVID-19 precautions which includes more checks when our patients enter clinical areas. Whilst this is a ‘new normal’ for us all, it is important that we provide our patients with a good experience regardless of the current pandemic situation.

I am saddened to hear that there was a lack of information and communication about the new checks that are required when patients arrive at hospital. In your story, you talk about the health worker “becoming desensitised to it all,” and how the receptionist “muttered directions quickly.” This does not reflect the values we work to achieve. I will share your story with the relevant managers for Outpatients in Whiteabbey Hospital and I hope to have a response to you from them as soon as possible.

I am very pleased to hear that the Doctor you saw was informative, professional and compassionate. I am glad to hear she put you at ease. I’m sure the Doctor you speak so highly of will be very glad to read your positive feedback.

I would like to thank you again for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. It will help us to learn and make changes where possible, especially through this current Pandemic, so that we can continue to provide our patients with the compassionate care that they so deserve.

Stay safe,

Leigh

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