Name it, I'll bring it — cancer patient finds novel response to hospital ID demand
A Carnoustie cancer patient decided to leave no room for doubt after being denied treatment at Ninewells Hospital because he couldn't prove his identity.
Paper trail — Allan Torz with the mountain of paperwork he took to Ninewells Hospital.
- By Marjory Inglis
- Published in the Courier : 06.09.11
- Published online : 06.09.11 @ 01.21pm
Allan Torz went in with the deeds to his house, his driving licence, passport, army medals and other unique identifiers after he had potentially life-saving treatment delayed because he could not remember his NHS number.
Mr Torz said it was ridiculous that a radiographer who knew who he was insisted he recite his NHS number to prove his identity.
But when he could not remember the number, the radiographer at Ninewells Hospital said she could not give him his treatment.
He says he was then left to wander out into a public area confused and alone wearing only his underpants.
The 54-year-old has just started a course of radiotherapy, after being told his cancer has spread. He will be required to attend the hospital five days a week for a month to have the treatment.
He said he had already attended for two treatments and the radiographer addressed him by his name, when he was told he could not be treated without the NHS patient identification number.
A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said rules regarding patient identification were in place to ensure patients are given the appropriate amount of radiation treatment and mistakes were not made.
Mr Torz said: “When I went up again on Friday, I took my passport, my driving licence, my army record book, my medals and the deeds to my house. I just wanted to show them there is no doubt I am who I say I am.”
The Black Watch veteran, who served during tours of Ireland in the 1970s, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. He had surgery last November but six months later tests showed that had not been successful in removing the cancer. Mr Torz said: “My chances are not good because it has spread.”
Already worried about his situation and, by his own admission, befuddled due to his distress, Mr Torz said he could not remember the identification number when he went for radiotherapy treatment last week.
Continued...
02.40pm - 06.09.2011 LM - Dundee, Scotland Report This
This is unbelievable! How often do random people who don`t have cancer turn up to the Radiology department? Best wishes to Mr Torz,what a pity he`s been put through this when he`s so sick with such an awful disease.
03.50pm - 06.09.2011 GM - Edinburgh, Scotland Report This
People have short memories. I take it those disgusted by the treatment of "poor" Mr Torz had no opinion when Lisa Norris was not ID'd properly and then given an radiation overdose? These patients all have individual treatment plans, they aren't just all thrown on a sunbed for 15 minutes. Hypocrisy
06.09pm - 06.09.2011 Derek - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The spokesperson got it right. Those who criticise it clearly haven't a clue. These checks are numerous and set to ensure patients aren't wrongly treated. God bless the NHS.
06.12pm - 06.09.2011 SB - Dundee, UK Report This
The treatment given out by the Radiotherapy department to cancer patients is highly intensive, and life threatening to healthy patients. These checks, trivialised by some, are in place for a reason.
12.42am - 07.09.2011 Rab S - Dundee, UK Report This
LM Well, for a start it would certainly help if thos offering opinion knew the distinction between therapeutic and diagnostic treatment. This story relates to treatment at the RadioTHERAPY, not RadIOLOGY department. There is a difference.
12.21pm - 07.09.2011 A. Smith - Dundee, Scotland U.K. Report This
@ SB Trivialized by the ignorant keen to comment without thinking.
12.29pm - 07.09.2011 WR - Dundee, scotland Report This
I had radio therapy treatment for 21 days at Ninewells about 5 or 6 years ago and was not asked once for an identification number. I notice in the article that legislation 2000 is quoted - has this only now been implemented at Ninewells.
04.44pm - 07.09.2011 JP - Edinburgh, Scotland Report This
I'm amazed that this story was written with the slant of the patient being correct then almost added as a throw away comment was the FACT that the member of staff was indeed doing her job properly. Where is the actual story in this? Headline - Man gets something wrong but complains anyway.
08.11pm - 07.09.2011 Andy - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
WR, the regulations, IR(ME)R for short, have been in force for a number of years.Those attending Radiology are asked to confirm their name, address and date of birth when they are clerked in, on being collected, and yet again before being irradiated. I thank God these people are so thorough.
07.14am - 08.09.2011 Catherine - Zurich, Switzerland Report This
Couldn't he just take his appointment note with him? The number is on the top of all correspondence! I agree with the above comments, the system is there to ensure he is given the correct dosage and is also their way of filing notes and treatment plans.
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