
The Harborne Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK
Cardiology, Gastroenterology, + 10 more
The staff at the Harborne were all very polite and approachable upon entry - I was checked-in by the reception staff, James, and told to wait until called through by nurses for my appt (I had pre-registered online via the email sent to me).
I arrived later than I wanted at 09:29 for my 09:30 appt - but thankfully was called through at about 09:31 by nurse Nicole.
Nicole greeted me pleasantly and confirmed my details before leading me through the outpatient department and introducing me to Mr Marsh.
Mr Marsh asked for the reason for my visit and I explained I was visiting for foot pain, and gave some brief history regarding the reoccurring issue. He was attentive and took notes, then said we’d get X-rays done and referred me to the imaging depart at the Harborne. I was instructed to take a form with me to organise the x-ray for same-day.
At imaging I was met by receptionist Nang who happily processed my request for X-ray and was instructed to wait until a member of the imaging team would call me through. I waited roughly 10 minutes until a member of the imaging team, Carina(?), called for me and was lead through to x-ray.
Being autistic and awful with understanding verbal commands, I asked if Carina could demonstrate what she needed me to do or to simply just move me where she needed me to - she was very understanding and gentle, and ensured I had time to understand what was being asked of me.
With x-rays done I went back to the outpatient desk and asked the nurses if I needed to wait for anything else or to arrange another appointment, I was told to wait at main reception and Mr Marsh would review my x-rays and call me back in to discuss.
I was called back in to Mr Marsh by nurse Ru who was amiable when calling for me, and lead me back to Me Marsh.
Mr Marsh explained what my x-rays meant and what he’d observed, confirming a suspicion my podiatrist had in 2024 regarding some odd bone formation which may be leading to my reoccurring pain. He then referred me back for an MRI and wanted to see if that could be done on the day.
I was once again met with Nang at imaging, and she politely explained unfortunately there were no available slots for that day, and we arranged for the soonest I was available next. This was relayed back to Mr Marsh and I organised a follow-up appointment at the Harborne for a few days after the MRI was scheduled.
Overall the staff were friendly, the atmosphere pleasant and professional, and I greatly appreciated the support of the staff I spoke with if I was unsure where/what I was supposed to do. I was extremely impressed by the fluidity of it all, and especially with the understanding of the staff.