"Arrogance and appalling care"

Well, after my dreadful experience in April 2020 on Ward 38, I made a complaint via PALS in June. In August a meeting took place between the staff member concerned, a manager from the surgical team, the PALS representative and myself. The meeting was held elsewhere as I do not feel safe at Arrowe Park. The staff member arrived 20 minutes late and wearing scrubs. Did not remember what had been said to me. Also said that they were not aware that I had an Advance Medical Directive or a severe phobia. I find this astonishing as I had requested a paper copy of my medical records prior to this meeting and both pieces of information were logged in the electronic records on at least 4 entries prior. I read extracts from my record that states I refused a cannula on 4 occasions.

Summary... they apologised on behalf of the surgical team(?) and said that if they had known he would have treated me differently! I spent a good 30 minutes trying to educate them that when a patient says no they mean no, that a diagnosed phobia is a real issue that cannot be ignored. And that ignoring a legally binding Advance Medical Directive can result in legal action against the professional and/or the NHS Trust. The comment...... "be assured I feel suitably admonished". I found this to be extremely arrogant. I did offer my services to the Trust in staff training regarding patients with phobias. So far haven't had any response and I'm not holding my breath. Accessing your medical records is your right and is a free service but be warned... you might find that, like mine, some entries seem to be a work of pure fiction!

As for ward 38, those issues are still outstanding. The PALS representative still has to arrange a meeting with the person responsible for the ward.