"A sad moment"

I was recently admitted to SDECU with heart failure, a massive shock to a fit healthy person.

The team were absolutely fantastic, kind, empathetic, patient and supportive. I had a follow up appointment, with the same incredible experience.

I attended A&E and again the staff were all supportive and friendly and empathetic to my condition. Everyone to this point listened to me and allowed me the time to speak and be heard with respect and dignity.

However, I must point out here that I always require the support of my husband and up to this point it had been actively encouraged.

I needed an x-ray , the radiographer was all kindness until I asked if my husband could join me. The radiographer became aggressive in their manner flatly saying no and that they were in charge and no one else was allowed in the x-ray room.

When I said I would not go without my husband, they became more agitated and said I needed to find a different radiographer.

It was a simple request from myself and their overreaction was very distressing.

After some discussion, the radiographer allowed my husband to come, once ready for my x-ray, they were manoeuvring me into place by pulling on my gown, and then pushed against the cannula in my arm, causing a lot of pain and bleeding. I felt they were adamant that they were in control of me and I felt completely powerless.

I was attacked by a doctor in my youth, who tried to rape me, so understandably I am very nervous of the whole medical profession. 

When I had a chest x-ray, the radiographer gave me a gown and somewhere to change where I had  no control of the door. They also invited my husband to come in with me. 

I had to change quickly in the x-ray room and hope that no one came through the door, not easy with a needle in your arm , I certainly wouldn’t have been able to change my clothes without his help. 

I thought that I was maybe overthinking things as I walked into A&E. However, on my return to the waiting room, several patients asked if I was okay and commented on the radiographer's attitude and complete lack of respect for the patients they are treating. 

A sad moment in an otherwise brilliant service from the hospital. 

Keep up the good work.