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"Visit to A&E with ankle injury."

About: Peterborough City Hospital

I initially injured my ankle three weeks ago. I did not immediately seek medical assisstance instead choosing to self care to see if my symptoms of pain and swelling resolved. Unfortunately they were not resolving and yesterday I twisted the ankle again. I attended the A&E department to exclude any bony injury. I picked my time of attendance carefully to avoid peak times. On arrival I was greeted in an unfriendly manner by the receptionist who said I should have attended my GP Practice. I am not aware that my GP practice has an xray facility. Furthermore it is my understanding that my GP does not have a contract to provide a minor injuries service. I would be interested to know what medical training reception staf receive in order that can make an assessment of the most appropriate facility for a patient to receive care and treatment. My care did not improve once I was seen by the clinical staff. My ankle was not properly examined and in fact my tights remained on throughout my entire visit including during xray. I am fairly sure that it not possible to assess bruising, swelling, skin turgor and bony landmarks through thick opaque tights. Fortunately I did not have a fracture, but my experience left me feeling an inconvenience.

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Responses

Response from Lesley Crosby, Deputy Chief Nurse, North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust 11 years ago
Lesley Crosby
Deputy Chief Nurse,
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 18/05/2014 at 16:46
Published on Care Opinion on 19/05/2014 at 09:29


I am sorry that you were dissatisfied with your experience. We try to encourage patients whose injuries are not emergencies to attend the minor injuries unit in Thorpe Road. I am sorry however if the receptionist did not explain this to you in a supportive manner.

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