"my experience"

My husband has been unwell, and had to attend several departments at this hospital since late last year 2014. I was happy with the attention and care he recieved from the various departments until he was diagnosed and had to attend the clinic. The initial consultation with the nurse was fine and informative. On the follow up visit I was baffled as to why the doctor attending my husband had not read his notes before seeing him. He was asked questions that the doctor should have known from his notes. She then prceeded to tell my husband that he did not have TB but had to continue taking the the tablet she had been prescribed every day. When I asked if my husband had a chest infection the doctor proceeded to waffle on about TB being an umbrella term for other chest infections. She then asked what his appetite was like when informed that it was variable she told him to eat as much as he wanted and that he could eat anything. I interjected and reminded the doctor that there were foods he was not allowed due to the tablets he was taking. She backpedalled and agreed that he had to avoid certain foods. After the consultation my husband had to have blood taken and while having the needle in his arm a young lady, who invited herself into the room told him that she was involved in a study that tested patients blood for a research team. She explained the situation full to my husband, who then told her he did not wish to take part in the study. Instead of giving up the young lady proceeded to continue to harangue him to change his mind. I was appalled at her atittude and had to step in and tell her that he had given her his decision and she should respect it. Hard sell or what! Later that same day my husband had a slight tumble on the down escalator. I have to applaud the prompt action by the gentleman from the hospital who stopped the stairs and helped my husband up, ushering him to a chair and keeping his calm and smoothed things for my husband. I was absolutely disgusted by the atitude of the lady who accompanied this gentleman. She proceeded to berate me over the incident causing me to leave the hospital in tears. Thank you. I have been taking care of my 79 year old husband for the last 18 years without mishap. She made me feel small and useless in front of other people sitting in the area. Because of this I will no longer accompany my husband for his appointments, i will not set foot in the hospital again! I do have a word or two of praise for a young receptionist who works in the TB clinic, who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, welcoming, friendly and going that extra mile when they didn't have to I cannot commend this member of staff highly enough. Maybe more of the staff should take a leaf out of their book.