"Radiography: from bad to worse"

I accompanied my mum, who’s in her 80s and has dementia and limited mobility, for an x-ray in the Minor Injuries Unit today. The x-ray was straightforward enough but we were then asked to wait in a waiting room before someone discussed the x-rays with us.

The unit was obviously busy but, after waiting for an hour, I decided to ask if there was a problem. It turned out the radiographer had assumed my mum was a minor injuries patient, when she had been referred by her GP, and she shouldn’t have been asked to wait as the results will be passed to her GP. Another radiographer then turned up to explain the results of the x-ray, which they proceeded to do in front of a full waiting room. I complained that there was no privacy and they then found a side room, but insisted on stating that they weren't divulging any sensitive information.

Me and my mother found the whole experience unnecessarily time-consuming, frustrating and the way in which my mum was dealt with was unprofessional. I hope she does not need to go back, but I will be challenging staff about arrangements if she does.