"Where is the patient centred care and patient choice"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Ophthalmology (Eye Problems)

(as a relative),

Attended ophthalmology appointment with my dad as he is quite deaf and likes me ( his daughter ) to attend most appointments because of this. Also can get quite anxious when he does not understand questions.

His hearing aids were waiting repair so did not have them insitu. I made the nurse aware of this . The nurse was very accommodating and understood this. I accompanied my Dad to 1st part of assessment.

We then had to move to different area for 2nd assessment. As we went to the area a different staff member appeared and approached me and asked me to take a seat in waiting area. I explained politely the reasons I was with him , but they were quite abrupt and said the nurses would manage, and to sit in waiting area, ushering me with their gestures. I asked my dad if he was happy with this and he felt he had no choice but to agree. I then made sure the nurse was happy with the decision, again , did she have a choice of what to answer when given instructions ? Where is the person centred care and patient choice? The assessment area was relatively quiet and I was standing so would not have taken up any precious space that nurses and patients required .

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Responses

Response from NHS Grampian 2 weeks ago
Submitted on 01/11/2024 at 10:50
Published on Care Opinion at 14:44


Sorry you are unhappy with your experience, and we will of course note the feed back as we are always looking to improve our service for all our patients.

The pre assessment area for patients is very small, there are 3 stations for patients and nurses to complete the documentation of attendees. The nurses do the preliminary eye measurements, vital signs a few questions and dilate patients pupils to prepare for exam by the specialist who they see next that day.

We the nurses find that if there are several people in this area the noise level from voices can cause problems with patients who have hearing problems, so we do try to keep this area with fewer people in it during clinics, unless a patient wishes them to stay. We also say we will call relatives through if their is an issue with hearing.

Decisions are made regarding surgery and much information is given once the specialist sees patients and questions answered, relatives are always encouraged to attend this part of the appointment for this reason.

Thank you for your feed back.

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