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"A&E consultation was a waste of time"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a service user),

Fortunately when I visited the A&E dept it was not overly busy and I had a short waiting time.My GP had recommended a visit to get a hip x-ray as I had a severe fall sustaining a broken wrist but had not had my hip xrayed.I could write an essay about my consultation but suffice it to say it was a waste of time.I was refused an x-ray as it would mean more radiation and because I was ambulant and because a manual test indicated my hip was ok.I was astonished that this person would not think it appropriate to take no chances on a woman of 67 years with a family history of osteoporosis and having sustained a severe fall..

The consultation gave the impression that I was a time waster who could be sent on my way with some inappropriate advice about special baths,and exercise

Listening to the patient without jumping to conclusions combined with basic compassion seem to be qualities from the past.

I note that the Doctor and all other staff I encountered were not wearing name badges-all the more to emphasise the current impersonal anonymous service

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Responses

Response from Paul Smyth, Head of Service Emergency Departments, Medicine and Unscheduled Care Directorate, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 4 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Paul Smyth
Head of Service Emergency Departments, Medicine and Unscheduled Care Directorate,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 20/10/2020 at 08:51
Published on Care Opinion at 12:16


Good afternoon Crackerjill, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, I am sorry to hear that your experience was not what you expected and you felt the service was impersonal. Within the Emergency Department the Doctor will request radiological investigations based on assessment and clinical examination. On this occasion it appears they did not feel it was required. I note your reference to staff name badges and I will organise a review of this. Please feel free to return to our Emergency Department if you are still in pain.

Kind regards

Paul Smyth

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