I went with my mother to an outpatient appointment as I have Power of Attorney for her. We were on time and the first part of her appointment - the nurse's examination - came about quickly.
We then sat for almost 2 and a half hours waiting to see the consultant. At 2 hours of waiting, a nurse wrote up on a small white board that the consultant was running 1 and 1/2 hours late.
The number of people in the waiting room got less and less as other doctors saw their patients.
Finally, the consultant approached us - no apology for the delay. There was a student in the consulting room, and a short time later, another came in. At no time, were we asked if it was okay for the students to be in the room. I wasn't asked who I was even though my mum has dementia. Another member of staff came into the room when my mum was being examined.
When did it become okay for consultants to have such bad manners and lack of professionalism? A simple apology for the delay and a question about whether or not we minded having students present would have made all the difference. I could have been anyone, so why no check on who I was and whether or not I have any business making decisions for my mum - there is a copy of the POA document in her medical records, but that is only of use, if the medical professionals ask my name.
"Lack of courtesy by medical staff"
About: Ninewells Hospital / Ophthalmology Ninewells Hospital Ophthalmology DD1 9SY
Posted by MJMajor (as ),
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