"Failure to provide medical treatments"

I start by acknowledging that the previous service provided to me by the consultants and the nursing staff and support staff has been excellent. This is not part of my complaint which relates to failure by NHS Lanarkshire to provide me with treatment based upon the past two visits in June 2022 and August 2022. I still don’t have the outcome of my blood levels today.

My complaint relates to the past two visits to receive treatments in Haematology.  I attended the last appointment in June to have my bloods checked. The procedure is to check bloods and depending upon the outcome see if I require a venesection.   In June the nurse stated my levels were good, I didn’t need a venesection and I would be sent a new appointment in the post.

Time passed and I contacted the day unit to say I should be due a return visit. They said I had missed an appointment in early August. They spoke with the nurse in charge and I was given an appointment for yesterday at 3:30pm.  I can confirm I do not miss or fail to turn up to my appointments.

I arrived at 3.20pm.  The nurse who greeted me said that my bloods were good and they just required checking today.  I asked how they knew this as my bloods were last checked today in June.  They advised that once my bloods were checked I would be advised on levels. I explained that I wait for the results and then if required a venesection is carried out.  They said that this is not what they has been advised to do. At my request they clarified this with the consultant and asked that I return to the waiting area. They then returned to say come in and we will get started.

 

I had suggested based upon how I was feeling and the time of day that bloods be taken and venesection started  After about 5 minutes and before the blood was removed the charge nurse approached and said they had bad news. They advised that as I had not had my bloods checked since June and based upon the time of day it would be unsafe to carry out this procedure. I asked for an explanation as the timescales between my visits have been longer in the past and the procedure has been carried out.  I advised that the risk for me is not doing the treatment as it was last carried out in June.

It seems clear that the ability to carry out the treatment was due to the fact that blood taken at 3:39pm may not return before the unit closes at 4:30pm.  I stated that if bloods are returned in 20 minutes there is still enough time for venesections to be carried out and I failed to recognise any risk to me.   I have had venesection and treatments in the same clinic before. They advised it was a decision made by a senior nurse, which I strongly disagreed with.  Why would you bring me into an appointment at 3:30pm if you are not able to provide the necessary care and treatment?

I normally make my complaint to the managers at University Hospital in Wishaw however their priority appears to be discharge and targets and not ensuring I access the treatment I require .

The health professional that saw me in June did not confirm my blood levels but on checking yesterday they were at the recommended level to carry out a venesection.  They also failed to ensure my appointment was made,  placing me at risk.  This is not acceptable nor is it appropriate for me to take two days from work when the treatment can be carried out in one visit,  even if this requires me to attend both morning and afternoon clinics.