My mother had a X-Ray on her back (over 3 weeks ago).
Unfortunately it was was a bad experience as she has severe mobility problems because of her back pain and I wasn't able to secure a wheelchair as people (patients) were smoking on the 3 that were outside (none available inside - I did ask at reception). Eventually (15 minutes) I managed to get one whilst my mother waited in the car (it was a really hot day) and we made our way in.
The staff couldnt be nicer, taking my mum through after a very short time. Unfortunately the X-ray machine broke down as she was being Xrayed and led to a prolonged wait on the machine. Staff were very apologetic and we have no problem with this.
However this did set my mother back on her recovery as she was very sore and it proved very difficult to get her back in my car and worse trying to get out the other end at home. She was so sore that I had to stay with her (she lives alone and enjoys her independence - when she originally hurt her back I stayed for 6 weeks to help her rise from bed, use toilet, make dinner, shower (My wife did this) and get to bed again (up many times through night due to bladder problems) - she couldnt get out of bed or walk without help.
Anyway that is in past but I do feel more support would have been helpful as I work fulltime within NHS myself and felt like the walking dead during that time.
That is the background. My actual complaint is we were told we would receive the results of the x-ray in 7 to 10 days and over 3 weeks later we still haven't heard when they will be reported on (called both G. P and department several times). The main issue is we were told there was a waiting time of 18 weeks for physio and in my estimation it has been 3 months since my mother hurt her back and in that time she has been housebound (previously very active and social) she has lost a lot of weight, lost all her confidence to walk as she needs a stroller, has became very hunched and frail.
I have employed a private physio to help her mobility and posture as it's becoming very alarming but physio would rather wait until x-ray results before advising exercise or activity to help.
I feel that nearly a month against an expectation of 7 to 10 days is excessive and on top of the lack of support from primary care and care in the community my mother has had a shambolic care experience.
"Wait for x-ray rests"
About: University Hospital Ayr University Hospital Ayr Ayr KA6 6DX University Hospital Ayr / X-rays and Scans University Hospital Ayr X-rays and Scans KA6 6DX
Posted by Disappointed Son (as ),
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