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Help with female health issues

Posted By Charlie31

"Help with female health issues"

About: Fife Community Services / Sexual Health General practices in Fife NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service)

(as the patient),

Firstly, I need to mention that I’m a foreigner who just recently moved to Scotland. When I started experiencing health issues a week ago, it had proven difficult to get medical help straight away.

I contacted drop-in Sexual Health Clinic, which due to pandemic is no longer a drop-in, I wasn’t able to get an appointment because I wasn’t yet registered with GP. 

Finding a GP office that would take new patients wasn’t easy. Eventually, I got one, rushed there to fill out enrollment form. However, when I asked when would I be able to see a doctor/nurse regarding my problem- I was told to wait until I’m actually registered in the system and can send an online request. I felt uncomfortable saying out loud in front of other people waiting at the reception area, that I’m bleeding like hell for 3 weeks, having abdominal pain and becoming seriously scared, so I just left.

I tried calling 111, gave up after 27 minutes of waiting on the line with no answer.

Yesterday, when I was absolutely panicking, because I felt that I really needed to see a doctor, I reached out to my GP office and was told the earliest they could speak to me is Monday next week. 

Eventually, I reached out to Sexual Health Clinic again and they promised the nurse would call.

Susan got in touch very quickly, listened to my case, agreed that bleeding heavily for 3 weeks isn’t any good, and thank God for her understanding, as she agreed to see me later that day. I had tears of joy, as finally I was getting help. 

Everything ran smooth during the appointment, she did all the checks, answered dozens of my questions and reassured me when I had concerns, advised me on the way forward, and I left with the medication that is already helping to treat my issue. I can not express how grateful I am to this lady. If it wasn’t for her and the help she provided, I would still be bleeding abnormally and feeling helpless. We need more people like Susan in the system, so nobody gets to struggle and feel neglected.

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Responses

Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 3 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 05/07/2021 at 12:07
Published on Care Opinion at 12:07

picture of Shona Lawrence

Hi Charlie31

Thanks for sharing your experience on Care Opinion. I read your story with concern and I am pleased that Susan was able to help you. It sounds as though you have been through a worrying time and were clearly challenged to get help. I am sorry that was your experience and that you felt neglected.

My response mainly relates to your unsuccessful attempt to contact NHS 24 on 111. I appreciate a wait time of 27 minutes is lengthy and I apologise for this. Our service has been particularly busy lately and there are times when access to the service takes longer than we would like. We are working hard to try to improve this. I appreciate however, for a patient or caller who is anxious and worried, this adds to an already frustrating situation.

I wish you well.

With kind regards

Shona

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Response from Kirsty Durham, Senior Charge Nurse, Sexual Health, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership 3 years ago
Kirsty Durham
Senior Charge Nurse, Sexual Health,
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 07/07/2021 at 12:52
Published on Care Opinion at 17:09

picture of Kirsty Durham

Dear Charlie31, thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience. I am sorry to hear that you had difficulty accessing health care at a time when you had the symptoms which you describe and I appreciate how distressing this must have been for you.

We are not in a position to offer a Sexual Health drop in service at the moment due to the restrictions imposed on us by the Covid pandemic. We have, however, introduced different ways of working which include same or next day telephone consultations for patients with urgent concerns and face to face appointments where appropriate. It is not a pre-requisite that you are registered with a GP to be seen at a Sexual Health Fife clinic and I am sorry if you have been misinformed in this regard.

I am delighted to hear that you found Susan to be supportive and understanding and that she was able to offer treatment which has made a positive difference to your symptoms. I hope that things to continue to improve for you but please do not hesitate to get back in touch with us at Sexual Health if you require any further help.

I will be sure to share your feedback with our team.

Kirsty Durham, Sexual Health Senior Charge Nurse

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