Today was to be the day of our long-awaited appointment to see the oncologist, find out more about my MRI scan result and the plan for ongoing treatment, and to ask whether I can apply for reinstatement of my driving licence.
The weather was atrocious. Fine snow and a gusty wind made the roads and pavements treacherous. The Cockermouth to Carlisle road was closed along almost its entire length. The news said it was because of drifting snow but our hospital transport driver had heard that there had been a fatal accident. We had to make a 20 mile detour via Maryport to get to the hospital at Carlisle. Despite this, we were in time for my appointment.
The oncologist, Dr K, did not appear to be around and eventually we were called in to see another doctor - the one I had spoken to on the phone a month previously after we had pressed for this appointment. He knew what we wanted to talk about from our phone conversation but was unable to tell us anything new. He would not elaborate on his description of my MRI scan result as "satisfactory." Nor could he tell us anything about my eligibility to apply for my driving licence, or about my ongoing treatment. For that, we would have to see Dr K, whom we had expected to see today, but who was apparently in India on holiday.
To say we were disappointed was an understatement. We were also quite annoyed as well. We had been out on an 80-mile round trip on snow-covered roads, risking life and limb, wasting not only our time but that of a hospital transport volunteer driver, to learn absolutely nothing. Why had they not just phoned, cancelled the appointment and given us a new one for after our oncologist's return from holiday? We would have been annoyed and disappointed about that but the end result would have been the same and at least we would not have had a wasted journey.
That's disgraceful, but sadly not untypical of our own experiences at our local hospital in Boston, the Pilgrim Hospital. We have had experiences than this too, some of which are still ongoing. Some of the hospital staff have even urged us to make complaints about the specialists we have seen. They have been offensive and rude on occasions. You just wouldn't believe the problems we have had.
ReplyDeleteYour latest meeting hopefully was not typical of your hospital as they seem to have behaved in a shockingly uncaring way. The staff at Addenbrroke's have fortunately been the opposite to me and the consultants professional. All of them kind I would say. I sincerely hope that your hospital staff improve and they let you know when your consultant is absent.
ReplyDeleteJim
jimbo63.blogspot.co.uk/
I think a formal complaint is in order Julian!
ReplyDeleteChris G0BHX
Good morning Julian, very sorry to hear of the doctors out right failing. I will stop there or this comment will go on and on. Myself and doctors do not see eye to eye to put it politely. I had way to many experiences like yours (and many worse) with my first wife Cindy when she was battling cancer. I hope situations like this one are very few and far between.
ReplyDeleteMike
Sorry to hear about this very frustrating experience Julian. I keep coming back to your blog as my husband is at an early stage in the treatment for the same condition as you. You're an inspiration and a great hope to me! May all your future appointments be more than satisfactory!
ReplyDeleteTB Durham
Yet again it is the LACK OF JOINED UP COMMUNICATIONS in the NHS that makes my blood boil with anger and rage. This is totally inexcusable and downright bad. They seem incapable (anywhere) of organising themselves to run efficiently for their own good and that of patients. If run efficiently they'd save BILLIONS and make patients more satisfied, less stressed and happy. It is not exactly as if you have an ingrowing toenail, rather something potentially life threatening where you need absolutely to know where you stand and what to do for the best. Although I like the idea of the NHS, I am beginning to wonder what bomb is needed up someone's backside to make the changes urgently needed. Writing to MPs is a waste of time. It really does madden me.
ReplyDelete