Care Opinion

Staff were helpful and friendly

Posted By User1970

"Staff were helpful and friendly"

About: Belfast City Hospital / Breast Imaging

(as a service user),

I attended the Breast Clinic at BCH for a mammogram and ultrasound. The staff were very helpful and friendly. However I waited an hour following mammogram for my ultrasound in a reception area with around 10 other women. Prior to being seated here I had to strip from the waist down and place a 'cape' around myself which was fairly short with no clasps. The area had a screen but it was very small and with men and other staff walking through the area the screen did not feel sufficient. It made me feel very vulnerable to be sitting there in that state along with the fact the room was very cold and drafty.

I understand that perhaps patients are placed in this cape to make attending appointments quicker but maybe consider the dignity of patients in this situation for a long period of time and how they can be better accommodated. 

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Responses

Response from Mary Murray, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust nearly 2 years ago
Mary Murray
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 06/07/2023 at 14:28
Published on Care Opinion at 14:34

Dear User1970,

Thank you for taking the time to share your story. I am disappointed to read of your poor experience at the Breast Clinic. I am sorry to hear that you had to wait an hour for your ultrasound scan. The Breast Clinics are extremely busy with many complex and timely examinations taking place which can impact upon workflow. Capes are provided for patients as it is easier for both patients and staff in the examination room when performing procedures. Staff should have been able to provide you with either a longer cape or a dressing gown particularly as it was cold and a long waiting time. Unfortunately we are very limited in the space within the Mammography Unit and ideally we would like a purpose built unit which would factor in greater privacy. Thank you for raising these issues, we will take all these points on board to help improve service user’s experience.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Murray

Breast Imaging Services Manager

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