Our Echo Technician...

Regretably, I ran into argument with someone in the hospital again yesterday.

One of my patients became very unwell suddenly yesterday morning. Despite discussions with two senior consultants, we failed to establish the diagnosis. Dr G suggested an urgent echocardiogram, which I dutifully ordered.

Two hours later, one of the CCU nurse phoned me, saying that the Echo Department refused to perform the test. Realising the gravity of the situation, I placed a quick call to the department. The Echo technician explained to me that she asked the patient to be sent down to the department 1/2 hour ago, but patient didn't come. She won't do it now as the patient had missed her allocated slot.

I asked her, 'Do you take into consideration that the patient might have been too unwell at that time to attend her echo appointment?' To which she replied, 'Don't you dare speak to me like that!!'

I further added, 'Surely it's more important to do perform a test based on clinical priorities'

She very unhelpfully said, 'Well! If it's so urgent, then you should find someone else to do it'

I would if only I could. The problem was the only people who can perform an Echo in the entire hospital were herself and her other colleagues. They ARE the Echo Technicians, for God's sake!

My boss called me at 0830hrs today. Was told by her that the Echo Department have registered their displeasure with the way I handled the situation. Why am I not surprised??