Echocardiogram picture

[Nearlymen]

Hi,

Now this will sound strange but hey ! here we go !

I'm now 19 weeks post heart op and went for an Echo yesterday and on a whim said to the nurse 'You know what, I'd like to have a pic of my heart from the inside just because it's interesting' ! It's quite a cool thing to see I think ! But ! She told me because of patient confidentiality she couldn't print one and I also couldn't take a pic of the screen either ! I could understand this if it was someone else's on the screen but my own ? Seemed a bit odd, and I wondered exactly why this is so and if I wanted a pic (just because like I said I'm interested) how would I go about getting a snapshot for the album, anyone out there come across this ?

Cheerio

Clive

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Sounds like a load of nonsense to me as parents to be routinely get baby scans! To some extent GDPR has been a good thing but this is going OTT and at the other end of the scale too many seem able to request information from the DVLA on you!

[Maisie2014]

I agree with MichaelJH. Sounds to me that they didn’t want to be bothered. Write a letter/email to PALS and ask them for a picture.

[Calliope153]

As when I asked for a copy of my blood test results I was told I couldn;t have them I am not one bit surprised you didn;t get a picture. It;s very variable across the country - most of my friends in different areas get a print out of all their test results. So I imagine the same is true of other procedures print outs.

[bantam12 in reply to Calliope153]

It is your legal right to test results, they cannot refuse to give them to you.

[Calliope153 in reply to bantam12]

Tried that one - answer was - "we'll tell you if there is anything to be concerned about", So then the receptionist told me I anaemic - doctor subsequently told me I had been given wrong result as iron levels actually a little high.... hence I asked for printed copy and was refused....

[bantam12 in reply to Calliope153]

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/NHS_In...

The above applies to results so your surgery cannot refuse to give them to you.

[Calliope153 in reply to bantam12]

Thanks

[Clerkenweller in reply to Calliope153]

Write a letter to your GP saying you have a legal right to your results and that you will take legal action if they fail to comply.

[Calliope153 in reply to Clerkenweller]

Thanks.

[Midgeymoo17 in reply to bantam12]

It is your legal right so see them not to be given a copy. That is where the difference lies. If you wish for a copy and not just to view them they charge for it and the process has to be initiated in writing.

[bantam12 in reply to Midgeymoo17]

We have a right to copies of results, some surgeries may charge others not. This subject comes up frequently on ThyroidUK forum.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Calliope153]

Last time I was given a print out of all my blood test results. The previous time with a different member of staff I was told just two figures (HbA1c and total cholesterol) and told everything else was in range!

[Dolphin14]

Ask the cardiologist for a copy?

[Nearlymen]

Thanks for the comments. much appreciated. I took on board the advice and dropped a quick email to PALS.

Cheerio

Clive

[Dolphin14 in reply to Nearlymen]

What is PALS. I'm trying to learn the abbreviation so I understand the conversation

[ninjaboy05]

oi dat is well gud innit fam

[Nearlymen]

Ere ' Boy.... youz writes likez I soundz LOL !!

[Nathan53]

I formally requested a copy of my hospital records, in connection with admission following a heart attack and subsequent PCI, via PALS.

3 wks after returning the forms to the Medical Records Office (address given by PALS) I received a huge batch of records with every piece of info during my time in hospital including temperature & BP readings to PCI outcome report and a DVD of echo scan. I wanted the records should I seek a private consult to to take with me while traveling abroad. I will sort through the relevant info otherwise I would be paying excess baggage. The forms to request the info allow you to be selective in what you want.

[Nathan53]

Well shiver me timber & blow me down lol. That what makes me anxious about scans and x-rays like someone is looking into the deepest depths - not that I have many like. Sending you a pm

[Fortepiano]

I think it's worth considering a few points:

The echo technician cannot even discuss your echo results with you - there is no way she is allowed to let you have the raw echo data that hasn't even been seen by the cardiologist.

The NHS is a medical service - you can apply to have copies of your medical notes and indeed echo reports, but it's not in the business of providing souvenir images for your photo album. Yes, there is a system for providing parents with foetal scan photos (frequently with a charge for this service as it's clearly not medical) but it is the exception. All hospital trusts have policies on patient's use of mobile phones and the default position is to have them switched off as they can interfere with equipment, and that taking photos is not allowed.

PALS is a busy service used by people with real problems. While I'm sure they will do their best to help with your request, why waste their time for what you yourself describe as a 'whim'?

I can see how it seemed a nice idea, but I don't think you have really thought it through.

[Nearlymen in reply to Fortepiano]

'But I don't think you have really thought it through'....bit pompus eh ! Obviously I've thought it through, because I've asked for advice rather than act. In this world you have to ask questions in order to get answers, I've acted based on what I've found out. The first part of your reply is an answer the last part isn't, therefore I suggest you 'Think it through before you type' !

Cheerio

Clive

[Fortepiano]

I'm sorry you disliked my last sentence - I assure you I did phrase it carefully, but I did not intend to offend you. I hope you get your souvenir picture and enjoy it - but I particularly hope that your echo result is good, which was of course the point of your consultation.

All the best

[Prada47 in reply to Fortepiano]

I agree but should we now draw a line under this !!

[Fortepiano in reply to Prada47]

Absolutely!

[Prada47]

My Technician called in her boss because she was having difficulty with the E F result, The boss went mmmmmeeeerrrrrrrrr looks around 40 % then she asked me what did I understand to be my E F. I said it was 43 % on an MRI When I got the results it said E F between 40 and 45 % Ended with the conversation Boss to Technician if in doubt ask the Patient lol