This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Lack of privacy while getting scanned"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Radiology (X-rays and Scans)

(as the patient),

I was a patient at the radiology department in Aberdeen and wanted to pass on my experience. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and seemed very efficient. I was scanned in quite a big room with two doors. When I was called through, there was someone else, who I wasn’t introduced to and wasn’t part of the people who were scanning me, on the computer talking to someone else about another patient. Whilst I didn’t hear any identifiable information, I heard everything about the patient’s case. 

The scan I was getting meant I was half dressed. Throughout the scan, a minimum of four staff came into the room to talk to the person on the computer who was clearly in demand! 

I felt very exposed and vulnerable as the people entering would look over to me as they entered and mouth ‘sorry’ and then whisper to the person on the computer about other cases. At one point, I just wanted to cry as it felt such a bizarre and intruding situation! I understand space must be a problem, but I wonder if it is a multi-purpose room, whether a screen or room divider might be useful for the privacy and dignity of those getting scanned, as well as for the confidentiality of the other patients that were being talked. Although everything else was great and everyone was very friendly, I was quite shocked about what had happened. 

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Cameron Matthew, Divisional General Manager, Clinical Support Services Division, NHS Grampian 5 years ago
Cameron Matthew
Divisional General Manager, Clinical Support Services Division,
NHS Grampian
Submitted on 07/08/2018 at 15:33
Published on Care Opinion at 15:55


picture of Cameron Matthew

Dear PatientAB,

Firstly let me apologise for what clearly was a very poor experience and far less than our own standards would expect. I have shared your feedback and asked the team there to reflect on how this incident made you feel and how they might improve matters in the future. There is simply no excuse to interrupt clinical investigations unless absolutely clinically necessary. Multi purpose rooms are in operation but we have clear guidelines to ensure patients are treated with dignity and respect. As part of my feedback I will be seeking assurances that these are being adhered to.

I know the team strive to deliver patient centred and quality focused care at all times and this incident has certainly come as a surprise. On this occasion we have failed to live up to those standards and I reiterate my apology to you.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k