"Wording on follow-up letter"

About: The Ulster Hospital / Paediatric Outpatients The Ulster Hospital Paediatric Outpatients BT16 1RH

Posted by GPC2019 (as a service user), 3 years ago

I recently attended an outpatient appointment with my infant son who has a diagnosis of Trisomy 21/Down’s syndrome.
The appointment was positive and encouraging however one thing that caught me by surprise was the wording in the report letter I received today.
The sentence read “X presented with the following problems - Trisomy 21”. I feel the word “problem” is surplus to requirement in this sentence and could be omitted altogether or alternatively condition/diagnosis could have been used.
I would ask some consideration be taken when writing reports on how the language used may impact upon the reader.

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Responses

Conor Campbell

Senior Manager, Assurance and Improvement,

South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Assurance and improvement

Submitted on 13/09/2021 at 07:53

Published on Care Opinion at 07:53

Dear GPC 2019
Thank you for raising this point.
I completely agree with you and apologise that this wording has been been used and for how this has impacted upon you.
Today, I will raise to the Chair (Trust's Director of Nursing) of the Trust User Experience Leadership Committee for consideration and effective active response in this area of care and across all Trust services.
I wish you and your son well and again I apologise for the wording used and its impact.
Best wishes
Conor

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Karen Orr

Interim Lead Nurse, Woman & Acute Child Health,

South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Submitted on 14/09/2021 at 17:31

Published on Care Opinion on 15/09/2021 at 11:59

Dear GPC2019
Thank you taking the time to comment on the positive experience you had at a recent outpatient appointment.
Also, thank you for raising the point about the wording on the follow-up letter. I am in total agreement that the use of the word 'problems' is neither appropriate or necessary. This will be highlighted to the medical and nursing teams for consideration when preparing correspondence in the future.
I trust that your son is well and thriving and I'm sure he is bringing you so much joy.

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Karen Orr

Interim Lead Nurse, Woman & Acute Child Health,

South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust

Submitted on 14/10/2021 at 09:20

Published on Care Opinion on 15/10/2021 at 09:09

Dear GPC2019
I would like to inform you that your comments have been shared with medical and other staff who prepare written correspondence. I have highlighted how the use of certain words can cause upset.
Thank you again for raising and hopefully this change will ensure other parents do not have to feel as you have done.
Kind regards

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Update posted by GPC2019 (a service user) 3 years ago

Thank you to all who took the time to read this and implement changes.

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