"Communication problems at Wythenshawe"

I was a patient at the breast cancer unit at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester recently and found the lack of communication between staff and patients led to uneccesary stress. For instance I was told that my operation would be in the morning so had not had anything to eat or drink since the previous evening. By 3pm I was very dehydrated but could not find anyone to ask about timing. I was eventually told that I had been put on the end of the list and would not be operated on until about 5pm. By this time I had a raging headache and kidney pain. If I had been given this info. earlier I could have avoided this.

Another example is when I returned to Wythenshawe for my follow up appointment. The consultant was an hour and three-quarters late seeing me and after a 30 second statement on my condition very obviously did not want to answer any questions. As this had so far been my only chance to get information I was upset about this. He said that if I had any questions I could ask the Breast Cancer Nurse but I found out when I left him that the nurse had gone home.

I realise that medical staff are busy but feel that they ought to allow time for patients to ask questions about their health.