"CT Scan at Radiology"

Recently I attended I-Med for a CT Scan on my stomach.  My appointment was for 9.30 and as requested so as to not to keep I-Med staff waiting,  I arrived before 9.15.  (The appointment details emailed to me indicated my attendance time was from 9.30 to 10am.   In fact I did not get away until close to 11am.)

After waiting about half an hour, a radiographer called me in.  They did not introduce themself.

For this procedure I had to have a dye inserted through a vein.  The radiographer attempted to insert the needle into both my elbows, both wrists, (i.e. 4 attempts), without success.  On one of these attempts near my elbow they missed the vein but managed to pump the dye into my arm.  I still have a lump there though most of the bruising has now disappeared.

They called over another staff member who also attempted unsuccessfully.  I asked this second person if the first knew what they were doing, I recall that they replied replied words to the meaning that the first staff member was "learning".  A third staff member eventually was called and was able to insert the needle.

I have never ever had trouble with having needles into my veins.  On a recent visit for blood tests with my regular laboratory, the attendant told me I had beautiful veins and could not understand why anyone would have had trouble.

Apart from the discomfort of the above, my overall experience was not of a caring or competent service, rather an uncommunicative gruff environment. Although I had been kept waiting until after my appointment time, the 4 staff members (not including front counter staff), did not appear busy but rather standing around discussing personal matters.  I think it may have been better if one of them had supervised the "learner".