"Care received at RAH"

I was referred to the SATA unit at the RAH hospital on the 15th of January whilst experiencing shortness of breath and palpitations. After going up the stairs in my house my heart rate was 145 and I felt like I’d ran a marathon. I’d tested positive for covid 19 on the in December and had been unwell for 2 weeks, having shortness of breath and palpitations as well as other symptoms during this time. 

I was in the SATA unit for several hours undergoing tests during which time the care from the nurses and doctors was excellent (apart from one doctor).  It was clear they were under staffed,  working in a stressful situation and under pressure but they were still managing to do a great job. There was one doctor however who made the experience an unpleasant and upsetting one. Their bedside manner was poor and the way they talked to me and another patient across from me (whom I couldn’t help but hear the way they spoke to him) was rude and to be honest shocking. 

They came to give me the results of the tests I’d undergone, during which time they came across as uncompassionate, uncaring and dismissive, suggesting my symptoms were down to anxiety. It was very obvious during conversations with myself and others, that they were in a rush and wanted to get onto the next job on their list. This showed in their lack of hand washing and PPE also, on leaving the room (which was full of covid positive patients) they failed to wash her hands, went to make a phonecall and came back in. 

I’m a nurse myself and have nothing but respect for my fellow nhs colleagues. I was therefore shocked and disappointed in the bad attitude of this one person. I understand the pressure and stress but that is no excuse for the manner in which you talk to and treat people.