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A mixed experience

Posted By rcdsal213

"A mixed experience"

About: Victoria Hospital / Radiology Victoria Hospital / Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Service (RCDS)

(as a staff member posting for a patient/service user),

I had a mixed experience when I was referred to the RCDS team at Victoria Hospital by my GP.  I had a period of rapid weight loss and after various tests by my GP I was contacted by the RCDS staff.  My first phone call was excellent.  I had everything explained in detail and the staff member was very diplomatic and honest in the information I needed about what the process was.  The pathway was quick and efficient in terms of getting a CT scan and the results delivered.  It all happened in a matter of days which was great.  My results were clear which was a great relief. 

I was less happy with the final phone call.  I felt the staff member I spoke to was very off hand with me and  suggested my GP should have done more tests and I was unclear of the next steps.  To date I have not had a discharge letter from the RCDS so I am left wondering what happens next. 

I have been back in touch with my GP who also seemed unhappy when I explained about the final phone call.  The service is fast and in the main is good, apart from the final phone call which I was not happy with.  

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Responses

Response from Murdina MacDonald, Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services, NHS Fife yesterday
Murdina MacDonald
Lead Cancer Nurse, Cancer Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 02/12/2025 at 14:15
Published on Care Opinion at 14:15

Dear rcdsal213,

I am Murdina MacDonald, Lead Professional Nurse for our RCDS service. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of care within our team. I’m really pleased to hear that your initial contact was positive and that the pathway worked quickly and efficiently for you. At what can be an incredibly worrying time, having clear explanations and rapid results is exactly what we aim to provide, and I’m glad this helped bring some reassurance.

I understand that your results were explained during your final call and that cancer was ruled out, which is very positive news. Our service is designed to exclude cancer, and where there is any scope for further exploration, we may make recommendations to your GP for ongoing care. The nurse involved wanted to make sure you fully understood both your results and the next steps, and is truly disappointed that you left the call feeling unsettled. She would have welcomed the opportunity to clarify any concerns with you.

I also appreciate you letting us know about the missing discharge letter. This was sent to your GP, and I can confirm that a letter is now on its way to you.

Thank you again for sharing both the positives and the areas where we need to improve. Your feedback will be shared with the team so we can learn from this and make sure every patient receives clear, compassionate communication throughout their journey.

Wishing you all the very best going forward.

Warm Wishes

Murdina

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