My dad was first diagnosed with lymphoma 5 years ago. He had successful chemotherapy which worked at holding him in remission until recently weeks ago. He had very timely investigations which showed a relapse of malignancy. He was seen in the haematology clinic at ward 16, ARI. He was seen by a Consultant who spent time with my dad and the family explaining treatment options etc. , this was done in appropriate language in a caring compassionate way which our family is extremely grateful for.
The Consultant then phoned my dad to organise for me to pick the medication up the next day. I arrived at the clinic at 1710 and the department looked closed but the front door was open. I went on & saw a nurse who I explained the story to, she left to speak to another nurse. Then 3 nurses emerged from the room whilst speaking to each other I overheard the conversation which went "this is why I shut the doors at 5 o'clock". The nurse seemed extremely shocked to see me standing right there where they would have known I had overheard their throw away comment. I was so taken back I couldn't immediately say anything.......I was in shock.
This was my dads life, does that nurse have any idea how they made me feel at that moment? I felt very let down that a fellow human could dismiss another persons life in a small sentence which basically came across as they couldn't be bothered to get 2 packets of medication- my dads lifeline- from a cupboard to give to me to give my dad hope.
I am very proud of being a nurse but I felt so upset to think a nurse could talk about human life like that. I hope this is brought to the attention of the department to allow the nursing staff to hear this affected me since the incident.
Please be proud and never make another person feel like they are too much trouble for you, their life might well depend on that moment that you find too much trouble or cannot be bothered to do. Please be kind.
"Picking up medication"
About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Clinical haematology Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Clinical haematology AB25 2ZN
Posted by Greenpea (as ),
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