TORBOLE. There are incessant reports of delays and lack of availability (with diversion to private individuals) of places for visits and tests at the hospital’s facilities.Health Authority of the Province of Trento. And often, unfortunately, they aggravate the signs that the changeability of time leaves in the daily life of a sick person. He tells us his personal experience Nicoletta Tavernini, Torbolana who has been put to the test by life in the last eight years. In 2016 she faced stage three breast cancer.
«I had a good time with it the Trento team, competent and available – she said – to be more at peace I paid a visit to the European Institute of Oncology in Milan where I undertook preventive chemotherapy necessary for a mastectomy. In February 2017, during the checks, they found a brain metastasis.”
In May 2017 she faced other complications for which she turned to hospital centers in Veronabut maintaining one as the reference oncologist Trentino professional. «In recent years I have not followed any therapy, taking full responsibility for all the possible consequences – he pointed out – in June 2023 the oncologist from Trento was amazed by the good results of the check-up, deciding to prescribe the next one for December 2023. Giving me the ‘demanding for an MRI with and without a contrast method, she made sure I called the Cup in September. At the beginning of September I called, receiving in response “We’ll call you back”. I remained confident. Although I consider such a process shameful for all those who live, like me, between visits and exams, certainly not as a hobby. Those who experience an illness know the value of time: increasing their worries with the exhausting booking process is harmful. Not everyone shows the pain or anxiety with which health permeates everyday life: there are those who are combative and suffer in silence, fearing that they will burden the people they love and there are those who need to be guided so as not to give in to panic” .
He waited until November but, given his condition, he needed quick information. «I called Cup and was given a date close to the Christmas holidays, working in the shop would have been a problem – he explained – I said yes, then I called back to cancel. For something like this I went crazy and out of frustration I told theoncologist: “See you after the holidays”, aware that my illness could start again at any moment. I was angry, not scared. I called in February and since then I have been waiting to be contacted for the check-up, we are in April. I made an attempt by calling the Brest Unit (multidisciplinary health unit that follows oncology patients throughout the treatment and control process for breast cancer, ed.) but also in this case I was told to wait for a phone call. I’m still waiting.”
In 2019 Nicoletta had to face the implant for the breast prosthesis. «I was followed with extreme care – highlighted the woman – by the doctors and hospital staff in Trento, I can only speak well, it is the system that has significant flaws. Two months ago, in February 2024, the prosthesis moved. I felt strange pains and, alarmed, I called the breast department; the first availability would have been in June. The secretary advised me to ask the GP for a referral with Rao B. On February 17th I call to book a mammogram with Rao B and I get the first availability on March 19th. So late? Yes, otherwise there is room for private mammography. I hang up, I need to breathe. When I calm down, I call back and ask how it is possible to have these timings by presenting a Rao B certified by clinical history. The answer I get? “What can I do? These are the times.” When I perceive that I am suffering an injustice I get nervous. I decide to make an official complaint. The information contact is answered by a very kind operator to whom I explain the situation, therefore my need to have a mammogram with Rao B. This man, with admirable availability and understanding, helps me write the email that we send immediately” .
Just 15 minutes after sending, Nicoletta received a phone call from the Senology department of Trento. «You made an appointment for me 5 days later – she underlined – at this point it comes naturally to ask questions. Is it normal to go out of your way to get a date, right? Not everyone has the strength to withstand such emotional tension and manage the anxiety that comes with it. There are those who immediately look for a solution and those who succumb, even abandoning treatment out of frustration.”
Within a few days Mrs Tavernini managed to have a mammogram and also be examined by the surgeon. «Is a complaint enough to receive, after 15 minutes, an appointment that seemed impossible on priority prescription days? What is happening to the healthcare company? The employee with whom I argued exclaimed: “Don’t you know that 500 doctors have left?”. I believe each of us is responsible for what happens, everyone should defend public health to allow it to improve. Reporting what’s wrong is a duty but also making sure that cancer patients, rare disease patients or those with serious illnesses don’t have to go crazy to book a visit.”
