Only yesterday I was at the hospital Pain reprogrammed clinic. Or maybe it should be called Pain intensive clinic.

The supplier of my NEVRO implant sends a rep to clinics and scans to reassure staff that all is compatible with magnetic fields and faraday cages are not necessary.

This rep let’s call Cheerful Charlie was indeed there yesterday. He is about 12 or looks it. Newly out of University and working for Nevro since March 2021. Yesterday he promised he would be at MRI scan scheduled for me for today.

The scan was at 8:15. The hospital had no referral letter. Maybe patients just walk in off the street hoping for a scan?

The rep went to the wrong hospital.

Pain team didn’t answer the phone

Radiology said they couldn’t scan because I have a NEVRO implant and a Medtronic implant. I gave them my ID cards which say MRI safe. That was not good enough. Stupid patient how would she know. They insisted they needed a clinician. And the Rep. I rang every number I have for the hospital. So did they.

• 

Hospital welcome message on the direct line makes you listen to some long message about covid. ( As though we are all such numpties we don’t know)

Scan was delayed. Scan was cancelled. Scan was reinstated and some 4 hours later I’m on way home!

Communication. A named point of contact who answers the phone. It’s not rocket science. The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion it has taken place. ( Shaw?!)