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Care Opinion

Breast Cancer Journey

Posted By MrsB2#

"Breast Cancer Journey"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Radiology (X-rays and Scans) Forth Valley Royal Hospital / Oncology unit The Lanarkshire Beatson University Hospital Wishaw / Radiology

(as a service user),

Initially referred by GP as USC to NHS Lanarkshire in late May 2021 with appointment being booked within 2 weeks in neighbouring NHS Forth Valley (due to local NHS Lanarkshire board capacity). I was happy to travel for this urgent appointment and the one stop clinic was managed efficiently and with care and empathy. I was not expecting a cancer diagnosis and when Dr Kelly noticed an abnormal area on US and biopsies were required the team (Mr Winkler) were very sensitive and compassionate. They advised on time scales for results and the following week I had a call to inform me I had a small cancer and that follow up MRI would be required.

My care was then transferred to NHS Lanarkshire where the waits for MRI were 4 weeks which after a diagnosis for cancer felt too long. Following MRI I required further biopsies which was then followed with further specialist MRI guided biopsies in NHS Grampian, throughout Mrs Lannigan and MsMcIlheney were just amazing! Margaret, my CNS, was calm and considerate and kept in touch with me . Again the wait for this was longer than you would hope but the Grampian team were fantastic. Trying to claim hotel and travel expenses was very difficult and NHS Lanarkshire should ensure that it is easy for patients to access this as it involve d5 calls to 5 different people.

Things moved quickly for my surgery after my results and Ms McIllheney worked miracles! Follow up oncology and radiotherapy at Beatson Lanarkshire followed, there was some difficulties here as my partner was not allowed into Beatson Lanarkshire building so I felt quite overwhelmed.

Overall my experience was longer than I would like and Lanarkshire could improve on some aspects on communication but I had a very positive experience and so grateful for my early diagnosis.

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Responses

Response from Lynn Mack, Cancer & Haematology Service Manager, NHS Lanarkshire nearly 2 years ago
Lynn Mack
Cancer & Haematology Service Manager,
NHS Lanarkshire

Submitted on 10/08/2022 at 19:29
Published on Care Opinion at 19:29

picture of Lynn Mack

Dear Mrs B#

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share your experience with the team. I am delighted to hear your experience within most of your journey was positive and that the team supported you through your investigations, diagnosis and treatments.

In relation to the lovely feedback reflecting on the support you received from Margaret, Mrs Lannigan and Mrs McIlhenny, I will ensure this is shared with them and know they will be delighted to hear this and will be appreciative of you taking the time to share.

Secondly, I would also like to apologies for the length of time taken to move forward with some elements of your care especially the MRI. We work closely with our radiology collogues to try and achieve booking of scans as quickly as possible but unfortunately due to the current challenges we are experiencing this is not as quickly as we would like.

Your feedback is extremely important and I note the areas from your experience that we could improve- communication, wait for investigation and support with travel and accommodation when going to Grampian. We do have a system in place to support booking travel and accommodation for patients traveling outside our Board to neighboring Boards and apologies this was not supported to travel to Grampian.

Once again I can only apologies we did not get it right for you and I would welcome the opportunity to learn more around the specific areas if you feel this would be helpful to talk through in person. Please contact our Patient Affairs Team on 01698 752300 who will take your details and I will arrange to call you back to discuss at a time suitable to you.

Thank you for sharing this valuable feedback of your overall positive experience and I hope your recovery continues to go well.

Warmest Regards

Lynn

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Response from Margaret Gray, Clinical Service Manager, Specialist Oncology Services (Beatson), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde nearly 2 years ago
Margaret Gray
Clinical Service Manager, Specialist Oncology Services (Beatson),
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Submitted on 12/08/2022 at 15:59
Published on Care Opinion at 15:59

Dear MrsB2#

Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion, as Lynn has said we are pleased that overall your journey was positive. We understand the vital support that family and friends provide when people are attending hospital and I am very sorry that your partner was unable to accompany you at the Lanarkshire Beatson and for the additional emotional distress this caused.

Thank you for your feedback and good luck with your recovery.

Kind Regards

Margaret

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Response from Jennifer Fraser, Service Manager, Outpatients, NHS Grampian nearly 2 years ago
Jennifer Fraser
Service Manager, Outpatients,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 12/08/2022 at 16:39
Published on Care Opinion at 16:39

picture of Jennifer Fraser

Dear MrsB2#

I am sorry that you had a longer wait for your MRI Biopsies in Grampian than you would have liked. Any wait is too long when you are anxious to get all the results so a treatment plan can be made. There is great demand on this specialist biopsy service in Grampian, but are glad we can offer this to patients throughout Scotland.

I shall pass on your kind words about the treatment you received from the team in Grampian, I know they will appreciate reading your comments.

Thank you for your feedback and wishing you a good recovery.

Kind regards

Jennifer

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Response from Yvonne Wright, Chief Nurse, Clinical Support Services Division, NHS Grampian nearly 2 years ago
Yvonne Wright
Chief Nurse, Clinical Support Services Division,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 12/08/2022 at 17:08
Published on Care Opinion at 17:08

Dear MrsB2#

thank you for taking the time to post your feedback on care opinion which must be at a very stressful time for you and your family.

I was sincerely heartened to read that your experience overall has been positive. NHS boards are really trying to work together to ensure patients are receiving treatments in a person centred way.

I will feedback your very kind comments about your experience of care within NHS Grampian - a truly "fantastic" comment to share with them - thank you

I hope you are recovering well following your treatment

Very kindest thoughts and regards

Yvonne Wright

(Chief Nurse- Clinical Support Services)

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