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"I have come across a lot of discrimination"

About: NHS 24 Scottish Ambulance Service

(as the patient),

I have a history, among other health issues, of mental illness and because of the 'label'attached to me, I come across so much discrimination by many NHS personnel who believe I don't have a brain that functions 'normally'.

Therefore I am expected to accept the insulting and offensive behaviour shown to persons such as myself regarded a 'nutter'.

These words were used in my presence when 2 ambulance crew came to my home in order to take me into hospital following a GP visit when I was experiencing severe respiratory problems. Subsequent calls to NHS 24 when PHYSICALLY unwell usually end when I'm asked if I'd 'like a cpn to give me a call'.

I'm literally 'sick' of the discriminatory platitudes and now do not phone or allow my PA to call for medical advice/assistance when my need for said is obvious.

It may be regarded that the decision is my choice - it is my choice not to feel degraded, insulted and worthless. Therefore, I will probably die because of my choice but I would rather that than the aforementioned statement.

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Responses

Response from Sharon Hammell, Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement, Scottish Ambulance Service 12 years ago
Sharon Hammell
Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement,
Scottish Ambulance Service

I am responsible for the development and implementation of the Scottish Ambulance Service's communications strategy: this includes staff communications as well as external audiences, including PFPI and media management.

Submitted on 23/02/2012 at 08:52
Published on Care Opinion at 09:14


Thank you for sharing your feedback. I apologise for the behaviour of Scottish Ambulance Service staff while you were in their care.

We would really like to learn from your experience. Would you be wiling to talk to us in more detail about how you have been treated? If you feel up to this, please contact me at National Headquarters in Edinburgh. The telephone number is 0131 314 0000.

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Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 12 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24
Submitted on 23/02/2012 at 09:34
Published on Care Opinion at 10:55


picture of Shona Lawrence

NHS 24 welcomes feedback and I would like to thank you for sharing your experience of our service. If you feel it would be helpful, I would be happy for you to contact me directly regarding your experience and I would be pleased to further investigate your issues. I can be contacted on 0141 337 4582.

Shona Lawrence

NHS 24 Patient Affairs Manager

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