"Are there any RGNs working there"

I attended Shotley Bridge Hospital for breathing tests. The test done by a care assistant!.

They did my height & weight & on their scales I was over 5 kg more than at another clinic last week. Perhaps the scales need recalculated to be correct.

They did the tests but I couldnt ask any questions bcause they were only trained to do the test.

Patients are asked to ask questions, there was no one to ask!

They told me they would give the machine printout to a specialist nurse who will do a report.

The report that the GP gets is written by someone who has never seen me, spoken to me, got a full history from me to base their report on. Its a second hand report.

This is not very satisfactory. I have no confidence in Shotley Bridge Hospital at all as the last few times I have been my GP has got a report which only borders on a correct report.

I will be asking my GP to refer me to Newcastle to repeat the test and for any other referrals in future.

HCAs may be a cheaper alternative to RGNs but who are they accountable to? RGNs are accountable to NMC. Drs are accountable to GMC, same with other hospital professionals.

The public needs to have confidence in the staff dealing with them and I dont have that confidence in SBH.