radiology consultant at 2330

Almost verbatim transcipt of conversation with radiology consultant who seemed to think that the decision to scan was based on wether or not he was awake. Rather than clinical need or job state

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• xtranormal
• anaesthetics
• orthopaedics
• radiologist
• 2330
• ed
• er
• emergency
• sah
• neurosurgeon
• registrar
• radiology
• ct
• ct head

[Fourhourtarget]

The problem is a radiologist who is therefore deciding to do a scan based on whether they are awake, and not on clinical need. The GCS was 13, sudden onset worst ever headache, BP through the roof and meningism. All of which was explained to the radiologist, together with a plan for LP should CT be negative. I understand if, for reasons of brevity, the video did not show an organised thought process. Kind regards FT

[Fourhourtarget]

Thanks for the comment. This is, in fairness, an abridged version. I didn't swear at the consultant, although the Neurosurgical Reg did say that (and a hell of a lot more choice phrases). I didn't want respect from the radiology consultant, I just wanted him to do his job. I thought this was an interesting story as, having been woken up and refusing to do the scan simply bacause 'there are no beds at the local neurosurgical unit', he then called back to say he would do it as he was awake.

[SuperWarking]

"I have called the neurosurgical registrar. He says you're a fucking asshole."

I wish we could actually say shit like this and NOT get in trouble!

[EagleNED]

Of course you mean this as a caricature. I know most radiologists will agree to make a scan when one is really needed, as I'm sure this one was. But I understand your distress :)

A reason for his reaction might have been that far too many scans requested at night are not actually urgent, so when tired a real emergency might not immediately be apparent. It's like the fable "the clinicians who cried wolf" ;). (I mean this in general, not to you personally)

[chantoke]

you didn't display an understanding of the consequences of uncontrolled subarachnoid hemorrhage

the reason the radiologist didn't show respect for you is because you didn't show an organized thought process. be more than a triage nurse.

[9427546]

Hilarious!