"Son's appointment to be tested for TB"

My son had a follow up appointment to test for TB as the BSG was borderline. This test has come about due to my history of being born in Hong Kong - this fact had not been picked up previously, it was picked up at his year 8 health check. We initially went to Scrabo Children's clinic and after a borderline reaction he was referred to Royal Belfast Hospital For Sick Children.

The appointment system worked well, from arrival we were informed of where to go and who would see us next. It would have been useful prior to the appointment to have been given an approximate idea of how long we would be there but I brought snacks and drinks for us both just in case, which was fortunate as we were there for nearly 3 hours in total.

The doctor we mainly saw who explained what tests would be taken and gave us feedback at the end was really great with my son (apologies for not recalling her name, it was not the consultant noted on the appt letter). Her questioning to ascertain symptoms brought up his issues that he currently has with his sinuses. When doing the physical checks she asked if he wanted her to look at his sinuses, which led to a diagnosis that they were very inflamed. She gave a letter to pass on to his GP for nasal spray and have advice on treatment with that along with antihistamine medication he was already prescribed. On starting with the has spray a few days later and continuous use of his antihistamine medication cleared up his symptoms which have been affecting him on and off for months. He has been on the waiting list for ENT for over 2 years now but this examination and treatment from this doctor made a vast difference to his sinus issues in the short term while we await that appointment coming through. She explained in detail about allergies and talked through using the medications which has proven very helpful.

The other staff we encountered were respectful to my son, talking directly to him as well as me. He had never had blood taken before and I really appreciated their process to distract him as the blood was taken which meant it was an easy process for him to deal with. Likewise with the x-ray.  

We did not have to wait for very long periods between the different elements of the appointment and the waiting areas were comfortable enough. 

We were informed that the results would be shared via an appointment over the phone within 3 weeks and should they all be negative then he would have a follow up within 6 months. We were also informed at the hospital what the treatment would be if the results were positive. 

The phone appointment brought negative results and discussion about the follow up appointment. There was a bit of confusion as to when that would happen. We had been told, as stated, at the hospital it would be 6 months but the person on the phone (apologies again I have no idea of their position or name, other than it being a male we had not seen at the hospital) seemed to think it would be 3 months. I did not feel fully confident that they were familiar with the process we had been through. 

I recall that the very next day we had a letter with an appt in June, which was 6 months from the results coming. Then a few days later there was an appt for 3 months after. As this was around Christmas time I did nothing about this. 

I have since phoned up to clarify which appointment my son needs to attend. The phone operator for the outpatients needless to say could not confirm which appt was needed and followed my guidance that when at the hospital I was told the follow up would be 6 months, so we agreed to cancel the appt for March which was only 3 months.

Overall the appointment at the hospital was a positive experience, the follow up was a little confusing but not detrimental to the experience. 

I shall record again after our follow up appointment in June.