I have visited BHOC a lot over the past eight months for diagnosis and treatment for metastatic breast cancer. My observation is that outpatient clinics, the CDU and Ward 61 appear understaffed. The staff on duty are unfailingly helpful and supportive, wherever they work. Even when clearly pushed for time, nurses and healthcare assistants make certain to give me reassurance about what is next going to happen. My consultant and his registrars are also wonderful, always giving me as much time as I need to ask questions, of which I have a lot! My primary breast cancer was in 2007 and, from then, I notice an incredible increase in the number of patients at clinics and the CDU. A wait in clinic in 2007 was usually no longer than 30 minutes. Now, my average waiting time is around 90minutes, the longest has been 3 hours. I feel that BHOC staff are constantly working against the odds to ensure staffing levels don't affect patients, but that they have no possible way of doing this. PS the selection box below does not include Oncology as an option, only Haematology and Don't Know!
"Staff here are wonderful but there are too few of..."
Posted via nhs.uk
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Bristol Haematology & Oncology Centre