"Poor communication"

I strongly feel that as they did not know me I was pre judged. I had met one amazing receptionist who was excellent in her role. This receptionist will never realise the standard they set for their colleagues, their empathetic and caring nature was very clear when I rang and explained I was in a mental health crisis.

Alongside this in the upcoming weeks while I was waiting for a follow up from the CMHT, this person offered support and explained who I could contact to escalate my concerns. Unfortunately, their colleagues did not demonstrate the same core values and if they had them, they have had ample opportunities to show them but failed.

As new medication had been given and it started to settle I knew that I still needed medical help and that I wasn't ok yet, I had rang and asked for a call with the Dr or an appointment and was told to expect a phone call that phone call shortly after two- this never happened and when I rang again I was told that they had forgotten to put it on the list. I appreciate honesty and I had no issue with that as we are only human and are working in strange and unpredictable times.  

The Doctor did then give me a call and instead of confirming the truth told me that they wouldn't be making the phone call until 17: 20 anyway- I explained that the receptionist had already explained the truth to which then the doctor confessed. A week later I had booked for a smear and I was shocked when I was met with a sit down and I will take your blood pressure- no introduction no how are you? I asked for the name before the procedure started and told them I myself was a nurse there was no communication- while getting dressed a colleagues walked into the room and thankfully the curtain had been closed over.

I could see on their computer that they were able to see my medical records and I truthfully felt like I was being judged for having the illness I do and if this was not the case where was her person centred care? I work in healthcare as I have said, I do believe that each patient has a voice and that is why I am giving this care opinion for learning opportunities. Communication is at the core of everything we do, it is core to the care provided. I never in my wildest dreams expected to have the health issues I currently have and to feel this way has made my nervous and anxious to ring and ask for help.

I am very aware that mental health is hard and its hard to help patients who are suffering and see no way of improvement and I know that the Dr. on my case has done everything correctly so I thank them for that. Maine medical is a beautiful practice and I have not had the full opportunity of meeting everybody so I do hope that this is not seen as a negative for all reading this but instead only a reminder that honest, caring communication is key to good patient outcomes.