Fed up after waiting years for an appointment

[conniecar]

I’ve been type 1 nearly 50 years. I’m also epileptic and coeliac with some other issues. Last month I was very insulin resistant and put it down to the menopause, needles, cartridges and sites. I also felt very tired, dizzy, had aching joints with more stomach issues. It carried on for a long time. I’ve not seen a consultant for 5 years and had no access to a nurse. The Gp said I didn’t need a blood test. I resorted to contacting my old nurse, who commented that I needed a test for rheumatoid arthritis and that I’d need to push for it. Anyway, finally a saw a new consultant today. She was vile. I was there for 10 minutes and was bombarded with her very patronising manner and why exactly was I there?! I said I felt I needed an investigation and support as the GP had sent me. I left feeling stupid without any further advice. She said she’d send a blood test form for inflammation in the next 12 months. I drove home and cried. Is it worth complaining? The other consultant is off sick til August, and I’ve not met him either.

 

[Pipp]

@conniecar , so sorry you are having this poor support. Seemingly from your GP, and consultant.

If I felt this unsupported by both I would be getting in touch with the GP practice manager, in the first instance to explain what happened and how you feel you need support from GP, for the symptoms you have.

For the hospital consultation, you could get support with the issues from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS ) . Every NHS hospital has this facility.
In the first instance you don’t need to make it a formal complaint. Though you could escalate it if you are not satisfied with the responses you receive.

Hope you manage to get more empathy and service from both GP and hospital consultant.

 

[embayweather]

You could try a second opinion from another hospital, it is your right

 

[Paul_Spittel]

@conniecar , so sorry you are having this poor support. Seemingly from your GP, and consultant.

If I felt this unsupported by both I would be getting in touch with the GP practice manager, in the first instance to explain what happened and how you feel you need support from GP, for the symptoms you have.

For the hospital consultation, you could get support with the issues from the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS ) . Every NHS hospital has this facility.
In the first instance you don’t need to make it a formal complaint. Though you could escalate it if you are not satisfied with the responses you receive.

Hope you manage to get more empathy and service from both GP and hospital consultant.

In my experience PALS are a total waste of space.

 

[Angela64]

You need to make a formal complaint to the hospital, you’ll need to go through PALS as this is the protocol. Your treatment is outrageous and negligent in my view.
@conniecar @Pipp, I agree but you HAVE to go through PALS first this is my experience with a recent hospital complaint and then you can make a complaint to the top hospital CEO, which I did and had a good outcome come. It’s jumping through hoops, takes time but you have to do it.

 

[Angela64]

I’ve been type 1 nearly 50 years. I’m also epileptic and coeliac with some other issues. Last month I was very insulin resistant and put it down to the menopause, needles, cartridges and sites. I also felt very tired, dizzy, had aching joints with more stomach issues. It carried on for a long time. I’ve not seen a consultant for 5 years and had no access to a nurse. The Gp said I didn’t need a blood test. I resorted to contacting my old nurse, who commented that I needed a test for rheumatoid arthritis and that I’d need to push for it. Anyway, finally a saw a new consultant today. She was vile. I was there for 10 minutes and was bombarded with her very patronising manner and why exactly was I there?! I said I felt I needed an investigation and support as the GP had sent me. I left feeling stupid without any further advice. She said she’d send a blood test form for inflammation in the next 12 months. I drove home and cried. Is it worth complaining? The other consultant is off sick til August, and I’ve not met him either.

Yes it is, see my post below.

 

[Billyfisher]

Yes it is, see my post below.

I would suggest you contact “Professional Standards” and make a formal complaint. I did a year or so ago, and actions were very quick. Hospital couldn’t do enough for me and the administration where asking “why did I do that” they didn’t like my reply. :-
It is about time you realise you actually work for me, in-fact for all your patients. Don’t you understand that we actually pay for this hospital and your salary? The NHS isn’t free, it is only free at point of service. But your salary and all the hospital costs and expenses are paid from our taxes and NI deductions. Where do you think the money comes from. So I, and every other patient, needs to be treated with the respect and service due to your employer.
Don’t let them push you around, they actually work for you.



Edited by mods to remove hospital name