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"Singleton breast clinic"

About: Singleton Hospital

(as a service user),

I finally got my emergency appointment through, after almost 6 months of waiting.

I went in and was given 2 gowns that were too small for me (I'm a big woman) the sleeves were cutting into my arms. I asked if I could rearrange myself and put one gown over my front and my cardigan over the back. I was told no.

I then waited over an hour to see the doctor, that's ok, they have 3 clinics at once, however I was in a lot of pain from the gown so it made waiting even worse.

I saw the doctor who felt my lump and half examined my breast. They found the lump then sat in the chair telling me overweight people get lumps in their boobs, that it's normal for one breast to suddenly grow 2 cup sizes out of the blue. There was no mention of the dimple and they called the open sores on my breast "spots".

I was then sent outside to wait for a ultrasound. The technician couldn't find the lump. I pointed it out, they scanned the wrong place. They then asked me to sit up and point it out again, and still scanned the wrong area. Even though I pointed it out. They said they were pressing hard but put it this way, if I'd had my eyes closed I'd never of known they were scanning me. It was lighter than a feather. So how they be expected to get a good view of the lump in a) the wrong place and b) without pressure. I have no idea.

I was then sent home saying it could be an infection, but they didn't elaborate at all. Said it could be my weight. And go back to the GP if I developed any more symptoms. All I'm missing is the orange peel skin, leaky nipple and severe skin discoloration so now I am seeking a 2nd private opinion.

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Responses

Response from Swansea Bay University Health Board 6 years ago
Submitted on 15/11/2017 at 11:09
Published on Care Opinion at 14:09


Dear Tarfis143,

I was sorry to read about your recent experiences in the breast clinic at Singleton Hospital and sincerely apologise for any distressed caused.

The issue of the gowns is being addressed and we are currently in communication with a company to trial new appropriate gowns.

I was surprised some-one had said a cardigan could not be worn as we have had occasions when ladies have worn their clothes until called to see the Doctors.

I thought it would help if I explained about the process we follow:

The Standard Protocol in Clinic is a triple assessment, a patient if over the age of 40 years has a Mammogram, which is then followed by Clinical Examination and Ultrasound Scan.

If under 40 years, it is Clinical Examination and Ultrasound Scan.

An experienced Breast Specialist or Consultant Surgeon undertakes clinical examination.

A Consultant Radiologist who has many years’ experience and specialises in Breast Radiology not a Technician performs ultrasound. Patients are often asked to sit up and show the area of concern as when in a laying position the area of concern can be in a different place.

Fortunately, not all breast conditions are malignant and we see many benign conditions.

It is difficult to investigate this further as we do not have your details.

I would be grateful if you would contact me on 01792 285265 to discuss you concerns.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards

Heidi

Heidi Handley

Clinical Nurse Specialist

Breast Care Centre

Singleton Hospital

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