Were you given information about your... - The Roy Castle Lu...
Were you given information about your local hospitals so that you could choose where to receive treatment?
I wasn't given any information about local hospitals but know them quite well. When I saw my doctor for results of the x ray an appointment had already been made for me to see the consultant at my local hospital. I feel in this instance that was the right decision, I don' t think I would have been in the right "frame of mind" following the results to make a choice. For me this was right, it may not be the right choice for others.
Exactly the same for me.
I was given my diagnosis and the surgeon telephoned the oncologist s secretary and I was given an appt for the next morning. I saw the oncologist at the same hospital the next day and it would have been my hospital of choice anyway.
In Scotland if not throughout the UK,there is an intergrated system for making medical decisions for individal patients,with regard to treatment plans and where they will be carried out.In the case of lung cancer patients the decision makers will include,oncologists,surgeons and professional nursing staff,possibly other specialists I am unaware of,this medical team meet regularly and will discuss jointly, what are the best options available for their individual patients.As most patients are laypersons with regard to their illness,I dont think they are in any position to make alternative suggestions as to how they may offer to that team better options for themselves.I think democracy for choices should be limited to politics,and leave medical decisions for individual patients to their medical team.
I totally agree with you Eric. I was under a respiratory consultant at one hospital but had my surgery at another hospital. I doubt due to lack of medical knowledge that I would have been able to make an informed decision if I had have been given that option. I think it also helped that I had a good relationship and trusted all those involved in my care.
