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Rushed X-ray appointment

Posted By Littlestar1637

"Rushed X-ray appointment"

About: South Tyrone Hospital / Radiology

(as a service user),

Last week I attended for an X-ray that my GP had arranged. I arrived at the hospital, it was very difficult to get parked so my husband left me off and he waited for a car space. I made my way to the X-ray department. There were at least 5 people standing with appointment letters but no member of staff on reception. This was confusing  and not very welcoming. I was afraid I would miss my appointment.

At around half one a receptionist came and started booking patients in. After I got booked in there were no seats available. This was very uncomfortable for my hip which is very painful if I stand for too long. I felt the area was too crowded and very busy.

When I was called for my X-ray I was provided with a gown to change into, and after that I was brought in for the X-ray. I felt this was very rushed, the staff seem to be working extremely fast however I feel that this did not allow time for me to ask questions. I appreciate the staff in X-ray seemed to have far too many patients to see to, but this made me feel like I was an inconvenience. I felt that this was not patient centred and I felt more like a job number rather than a human being.

Overall my visit was 5/10. The main issues were car parking, no receptionist upon arrival, department crowded and a very rushed appointment. I feel this feedback is important so that these issues can be dealt with so other patients do not have a negative experience like mine.

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Responses

Response from Ann Tate, Lead, Radiography services, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 2 years ago
We have made a change
Ann Tate
Lead, Radiography services,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 28/04/2022 at 17:55
Published on Care Opinion on 29/04/2022 at 09:11

Thank you for your feedback Littlestar1637

I appreciate you sharing your experience in South Tyrone X Ray with me. This has highlighted issues within the X-ray department.

Due to staffing resources at this time, it is current practice to put a sign in the reception window stating that the receptionist is on a break. We have brought this to the attention of the management team and have asked them to ensure this is happening and a brighter slightly larger sign is going to be used.

Unfortunately the seating in the waiting room has been reduced to ensure social distancing as a result of the pandemic. This leaves only 4 seats because the waiting area is very small. We will endeavour to use your feedback to highlight the need for further works.

I regret that you felt rushed. We have only one X-ray room in addition to reduced staffing over breaks. Therefore a queue can sometimes develop for patients waiting for X-ray. We will use your feedback to highlight our staffing resources and status of having one X-ray room available.

The radiographer’s role is to perform the imaging, unfortunately they are unable to pass on information such as results and follow up. I can assure you though this feedback has been passed to my team so that they are aware to check with patients if they have any questions.

Whilst your experience, on this occasion, was not satisfactory crucially your images are of a high standard enabling the referrer to help you.

We endeavour to treat everyone with care, courtesy and respect. Your feedback has been shared with both the management team and the X-ray staff at South Tyrone.

Ann Tate

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