Posted , 6 users are following.
I had to wait 6 months for an appointment with a consultant and when i did he was very abrupt didnt allow me to speak and said that he wouldnt do surgery and didnt give me a reason so i have been left with a prolapse and no answers anyone else had a difficult time with a consultant, i tried to complain but they just brushed it under the carpet and i got nowhere
1 like, 47 replies
Jan999 christine58244
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christine you said you "tried" to complain. All complaints in the NHS have to be investigated that's written in their rules. Complain to the NHS Ombudsman and inform the hospital or whoever you complained to that you are doing that. No complaints can be ignored.
Mossup christine58244
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Really is sad that this kind of thing is still happening.
I hope you get the information you need. Have you spoken to your GP? They should get a letter explaining findings and opinion.
terrie2904 christine58244
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I had the same thing I requested another appointment and got a different consultant who was lovely but had a different opinion than the first one, so I wrote to PALS (patient advice and liaison service) not sure if all hospitals have then but like the other ladies said they have to investigate all complaints, anyway the top consultant took my case and I was so please i wrote the letter as I was a bit nervous about it at first as o never complain. I am 12 weeks post op, mine wasn't the worst prolapse but I'm so glad I had it done and no problems, I have a few niggles but in the whole so glad I had it done and pushed myself to write that letter....try writing to the hospital, good luck
Jan999 terrie2904
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All hospitals have PALS and that's where I made a complaint and advised christine to do the same a few weeks ago. I also copy my complaint to the Chief Executive. I think christine complained to PALS but I'm sure she'll get back to us to confirm that
jan05416 christine58244
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christine58244 jan05416
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Jan999 christine58244
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6 months is ridiculous christine but it makes me think the consultant you have been referred to is extremely popular. Do you know his/her name? If you do send me a personal message and I'll see if I know him or I may know someone who does because I am in touch with other nurses in other NHS Trusts x
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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I think I've heard of him and heard him speak at a conference a few years ago. I'll double check because if it is him he is lovely and came across as very caring. I'll get back to you because I have the information at home x
Jan999 christine58244
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christine he isn't who I thought he was but I've been told he is an excellent consultant who has undertaken a lot of research into pelvic floor. His job title (among a few) is Gynaecologist but he is a qualified urogynaecologist and specialises in pelvic floor and colorectal surgery. I spoke to someone who knows of him. I think you will be in good hands. Start writing down all your questions as you think of them so you get the most out of your appointment even though it may not be for a while.
christine58244 Jan999
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The last consultant i saw the horrible one wouldn't even let me speak let alone ask questions and i only saw him for 10 minutes i dont think you get a long time to ask too many questions thats what i am afraid off been through it all before i hope this consultant lets me speak at least as the other one didnt
Jan999 christine58244
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I know your last consultant wasn't very pleasant at all and sounds as though he lacked communication skills however a good doctor will give you all the time you need. That's why outpatient clinics are always running late.
Mossup christine58244
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It might be worth speaking to his secretary if you can be flexible and attend a short notice cancellation appt. Friend in uk had an appt last week like this after being given an appt for the end of May.
I found it really helped me for my appt yesterday to have my list of questions and concerns in a typed out list (largish font 16). I included a separate sheet outlining what my average day was like, symptoms, effects on quality of life, issues with work, sleep, intercourse etc. I left this with the consultant.
Really hope you get a more receptive and positive outcome this time. I would also be prepared for requesting a referral for another specialty to review if they can't help you (don't know if you can do this in uk or if you need to go back to GP).
Jan999 Mossup
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I've already suggested christine rings the secretary on another thread but I've since found out only yesterday that in most cases the secretary has no control over the appointments anymore, there is now a separate department that deals with them in most of the NHS hospitals. It became too much work for them probably because people like me who work in the NHS were encouraging it.
Jan999 Mossup
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Sorry also meant to add in a lot of cases women don't know which consultant they have been referred to because GP referrals often to to the appointment department and a consultant is allocated there. This is to make sure work is equally shared.
Mossup Jan999
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Things where I am at the moment are very different, very personable and pretty much no waiting. Â Yesterday I was chatting to one of the junior doctors and he was asking what it was like. Â I did mention that the waiting times were an issue.
I have been watching the bbc2 programme Hospital, the strain that nhs is under seems tremendous if the portrayal is reflective of the NHS in general. Â When I left it was gruelling and we were severely over stretched and knew then that I wanted to move into primary care.Â
Jan999 Mossup
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I watched that programme as well, it was fascinating and I hope it makes patients appreciate the NHS more. Waiting times are crazy at the moment and watching that programme helps you understand why and seeing what a difficult job all the staff have trying to make things work for the patients. Everyone is overstretched and in some ways I am pleased to have retired. It was interesting that last year all retired nurses received a letter from the Department of Health asking if they would return to work in their local hospital, that's how desperate they are. I think you made a very wise choice moving into primary care.
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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So you got your appointment but didn't see the boss, not very good and what is more upsetting is they have a doctor, probably a Senior/Specialist Registrar that has a poor command of English. The GMC have said any foreign doctor has to pass certain criteria before seeing patients. I can't understand why they want you to have the tests again unless of course the previous hospital hadn't forwarded the results however these days with computerised records that shouldn't be the case. Do you know if that was the case christine?
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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You are right to question it christine and I think the doctor you saw doesn't have a very good understanding of the effect it can have on you. If you have another outpatient appointment ask to see the consultant when you book in. I have a friend who has to attend cardiology once a year and always asks to see the consultant. They have never refused. What happens next? You said you are waiting for a letter.
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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jan has made a good point regarding a private appointment to start with then transfer to the NHS. I don't know how feasible that would be because I know these appointments are expensive especially in London. I will explain what I would do in your situation. I would ring the consultant secretary and explain I wasn't happy with the consultation and felt it was a waste if NHS time and money to have all the tests repeated. Could I please have an appointment with the consultant. Then see what their response is.
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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I can't understand it either unless your previous consultant hasn't forwarded all your test results to the new one. If I were you I would ask.
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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If they are insisting you have all the tests again, which I can't understand, then you will go on the waiting list when your consultant decides you need surgery. It will then be hopefully within 18 weeks from that appointment however a lot if NHS Trusts aren't meeting these timescales. Your consultant should have some idea how long his/her waiting list is.
christine58244 Jan999
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Jan999 christine58244
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If the proctogram doesn't convince them you need surgery then yes I think you do have a long wait. As you know results of tests take their time to be reported on, then they have to go to the consultant. That's why I suggested you ask them why do you need the tests again.
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