"Patient Files not kept up to date"

I have attend a number of outpatient clinics at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) for over ten years, due to my having a complex, at present incurable, autoimmune condition.

During two very recent consultations, significant problems were noted in respect of the accuracy of information recorded within my hospital files.

1) A review with the lead consultant in the Rheumatology department, attended as an outpatient revealed that records related to medication being prescribed were around three years out of date. I think there is no excuse for such administrative inefficiencies as I have always supplied each clinic with a medication update during each and every consultation. Patient files must be maintained accurately and there can be no excuses for such slackness.

2) I attended the Respiratory departments outpatient clinic last week and a key element was to review results of Sleep Apnea tests undertaken during the last few weeks. Whilst the results of the first test results were on file, these were of little value and two further tests were undertaken which were accurate and reflective. Neither of these relevant test results were recorded within my file. Therefore much valuable time (consultant, hospital staff and my own time) was wasted whilst the records of the successful tests were searched for and finally brought to my consultant so we could discuss the results and agree on a referral to Papworth Hospital. Again I think this an example of very inefficient administration which fails to ensure consultants are fully able to brief themselves prior to patient consultations.

The failure to maintain accurate patient records can have serious implications.