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Adrenal Insufficiency- concerning lack of knowledge

Posted By CMN78

"Adrenal Insufficiency- concerning lack of knowledge"

About: North Devon District Hospital / Endocrinology

(as the patient),

On more than one occasion I have found that staff at this hospital do not understand the life threatening implications of Adrenal Insufficiency and that patients follow a strict steroid replacement regimen and that we require prompt assessment, treatment and understanding to avert a potentially fatal Adrenal Crisis.

I have sometimes met disregard for me being the expert in managing my condition and failure to understand the fact medication is time critical.

The lack of willingness for staff to take a brief few moments to check up to date guidelines from the BMJ, or to consultant with consultants at another a hospital (especially since NDDH has no on-call endocrinologist) is staggering.

I feel that NDDH need to undertake some urgent staff training regarding treatment of patients with Adrenal Insufficiency.

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Responses

Response from Teresa Sturm, Patient Experience Matron, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust 3 years ago
Teresa Sturm
Patient Experience Matron,
Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust

Submitted on 27/07/2020 at 12:30
Published on Care Opinion at 12:30

picture of Teresa Sturm

Dear CMN78,

Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback on Care Opinion. I am sorry to read that you have sometimes met disregard in managing your condition. Prior to responding I have shared your feedback with the Matron on the Medical Assessment Unit and Consultant physician and I will also share your feedback with our Pharmacy and Emergency Department colleagues.

Unfortunately there is no on-call endocrine service 24/7 at NDDH. Larger hospitals in the region such as the RD&E, endocrine on-call is 7/7 but only mornings at weekends. Small hospitals such as NDDH rely on a single physician on call for medicine overnight.

However, all physicians should be aware of the emergency management of Addison's and specific feedback is always welcome for learning and improvement

In order for us to learn more from your experiences you are welcome to contact me direct, my email address is Teresa.sturm@nhs.net

Best wishes

Teresa

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