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"Breast pain referral"

About: Crosshouse Hospital / Xrays & Scans NHS Ayrshire & Arran / South West Scotland Breast Screening Centre

(as the patient),

I was referred by my GP in July 2017 as a routine referral with breast pain. I attended Ayrshire Central hospital to the breast screening service where I was seen by a consultant and told I needed a mammogram. Despite being in the breast screening unit there were no radiographers to do mammograms or ultrasounds,

so I was put on a waiting list for crosshouse hospital for general X-ray for a mammogram. I had to wait weeks for this appointment and was told I would again need to wait 4-6 weeks for it to be read due to a lack of radiologists. I was then recalled with  no explanation for a further mammogram and was told this would be looked at as a priority. I had this two weeks ago and called yesterday as I had not had the results. I was called back promptly by a very kind secretary who explained I would now need an ultrasound scan but the waiting time as an urgent is at least 4 weeks. The  stress these waiting times is causing me is enormous. I have previously been referred to the breast clinic and on the day saw the consultant, had an ultrasound and immediately had results. I have been told if a biopsy is required i may need to wait yet again for another appointment. I am shocked that having experienced a joined up one day service previously, that I may be waiting 6 months from initial referral till diagnosis. As an NHS staff member I am more than aware of the demands on the service and understand everyone’s frustration at not being able to meet waiting times targets. However, if I lived in Glasgow I would have access to the one stop breast clinic service, where my mother was screened, diagnosed, had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, all in the time I have been waiting. I  find such a long wait both frustrating and unacceptable. In the mean time I am incredibly anxious waiting for ultrasound and follow up. 
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Responses

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 6 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 06/11/2017 at 15:58
Published on Care Opinion at 16:00


picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear Hasticat,

As you know, we have had a chat about this (thank you for contacting me off-line). I am so sorry this has been such a drawn out process for you. I am also extremely sorry that you have found this to be so stressful and it has caused you such anxiety. I totally appreciate how this has been such a frustrating time for you.

As I explained during our chat, people can be offered a clinic appointment at Ayrshire Central Hospital which makes them think they are attending breast screening but they are in fact 'only' attending an appointment on the premises. It is not actually a breast screening appointment which probably explains the fact that you were not offered mammography or ultrasound. (I know it may sound crazy but these is a logic there - honestly).

What I have done is passed this to the Radiologist responsible for this area and hopefully she will be able to review the waiting list and explore options about the ultrasound investigation. I believe you have already informed the service that you can attend a short-notice appointment. this is always a good strategy. It is also handy if you make sure your most up-to-date contact details are recorded on our system.

I will also pass this on to the Medical Imaging service for their consideration.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on. Also, if there is anything further you would like to discuss, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

Eunice

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Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 6 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 08/11/2017 at 13:14
Published on Care Opinion at 16:03


picture of Eunice Goodwin

Dear Hasticat,

I am delighted that you now have an appointment for your ultrasound and I hope this sets your mind at rest.

best wishes,

Eunice

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Update posted by Hasticat (the patient)

Thank you for all your help Eunice. I hope bringing some light to the complexity of this particular referral and care pathway will help others in a similar position. I really have really appreciated your timely and continual communication, keeping me very well informed of the progress of your investigations. Thank you again for all your support.

Response from Eunice Goodwin, Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 6 years ago
Eunice Goodwin
Patient Feedback Manager for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, Quality Improvement and Governance Team,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

I respond initially to most of the posts and ensure they are passed to the appropriate team whether they are compliments, observations or grumbles. It is important to make sure all issues are addressed and I try to encourage that to happen for all the posts as required.

Submitted on 09/11/2017 at 11:35
Published on Care Opinion at 12:15


picture of Eunice Goodwin

You are very welcome Hasticat,

I am really pleased we could help and thank you for helping us.

Best wishes,

Eunice

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