I've had a course of chemo, which has had to be followed up by a course of radiotherapy. The treatment has been marvellous, but the admin and follow ups have been poor.
My radium is due to start soon in Exeter, which is a 98 mile round trip from my North Devon home. I appreciate this is the nearest hospital offering this treatment. However, I received a phone call one evening, telling me I had to attend Exeter Rugby Club 2 days later to have a coronavirus swab!
To pass Barnstaple Hospital (20 mile round trip from me), and travel nearly 100 miles for a one minute swab is unbelievable. I am still fatigued from chemo, and have been isolating.
I did NOT need this long drive. I was told that my radium could not start without this test. There was only one other car at this test centre at the time I arrived. This needs sorting out. How many others have been in this position?
Also, an appointment not sent to me from Barnstaple would not have happened if I had not personally chased it up with the consultant's secretary. I have just had a phone consultation with my consultant, which he advised must be followed up in three months with a "person to person" consultation. The Hospital Appointments officer has sent me a TELEPHONE consultation date...this seems to be the sloppy side of the NHS.
"Admin issues and long drive for coronavirus test"
About: North Devon District Hospital / Cancer Services North Devon District Hospital Cancer Services Barnstaple EX31 4JB Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) / Oncology Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford) Oncology Exeter EX2 5DW
Posted by victoria park (as ),
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