NHS Doctors

[meetoe]

Hi All,

Still a newbie here in the UK and I just had my second doctor's appointment at the hospital.

I have a feeling this seems to be the norm, but it was so horrible!

My usual doctor was still seeing patients, so I got allocated a "professor" instead.

All he did was read off the computer screen and told me off, and that that all the work I've done to bring down my HBA1C was "not good enough". He didn't even bother to listen to any of my concerns nor provide any constructive feedback. It felt like I was being bullied then entire time and he even threatened me to get my HBA1C down significantly.
Then I politely asked if I was going to see my usual doctor and that this visit was a once off, and he lost his **** and started yelling and scribbling stuff and asked me to leave.
....
I have done so much work to improve my diabetes management over the last 2 months, and to have that thrown in your face by someone who is meant to support and help you through it is a huge disappointment.

I guess I'm just a little down by the whole experience and I thought I'd reach out to the community for some support.

Thanks for reading

 

[Prem51]

It's a shame that you were treated like that @meetoe. I must say I have usually had good experiences with HCPs. The only time I didn't was when I first visited my current GP surgery and was prescribed ineffective medication for my hayfever, which I used to get really badly, and needed prescription meds for. She obviously didn't read my medical notes and gave me a prescription for Clarityn which I could have bought from a pharmacy. It was useless and I was awake most of the night with severe symptoms.
I went back the next morning to ask for my usual prescription, and after saying I didn't look as if I was experiencing any symptoms, then staring at me for about a minute she gave me the necessary prescription. I never saw her again in 17 years, though she is supposed to be the diabetes specialist at the surgery.
Some doctors just don't seem to have people skills unfortunately.

 

[dawnmc]

Well I'm sorry but I would complain, who the hell do they think they are, jeez we left the 40's behind when they thought they were little gods. If you are up for it complain to the hospital. We pay their bloody wages!!

 

[AndBreathe]

I'm T2, so don't have a hospital working with me.

I'm not clear whether you are newly diagnosed or new in the UK, but either way, that doesn't sound like a very comfortable appointment.

There are lots of folks on here working hard to bring things into a better place, so you will get lots of support, to help you move forward. I don't know which hospital you attend (and I am not asking you to disclose it), but you can either see how it goes next time or consider exploring whether there are other clinics supporting T1s in your area. You could complain, but it probably makes sense to reflect a little before going down that route.

If after a short while reflecting you still feel the same, then you have to decide what to do.

Good luck.

 

[meetoe]

Thanks everyone for their responses! I appreciate it alot

I'm new to the UK - i've had t1 since i was a baby so I've had a lot of interaction with doctors, but this was the first time I've ever experience this type of behaviour from one.

I'll just leave it be, and request that I only see my usual doctor (he was really lovely and understanding and helpful!).

 

[tim2000s]

Hi @meetoe, I can understand that you don't want to rock the boat, but please consider providing some feedback to the hospital, even if it is on;y a letter to your normal doctor, explaining what you experienced and why you felt it was unacceptable.

If we don't provide feedback, this kind of behaviour continues, and frankly, we shouldn't be allowing anyone to get away with that kind of behaviour in the NHS. If it was done to a client in private enterprise, you would suffer disciplinary action of some description.

 

[Dark Horse]

You can complain to PALS, the patient advice and liaison service. They investigate all complaints including those about a health professional's manner. See http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1082.aspx?CategoryID=68

I agree with @tim2000s - the way to improve the service is to alert them when standards fall below par. The Professor won't get into trouble unless this is a regular occurrence but will certainly be more careful and considerate in the future. I suggest you explain what happened in writing - factually, without making accusations or insults, and explain how badly the appointment made you feel. Writing it all down will probably make you feel better and sending the letter to PALS will probably help improve things for other patients at that hospital.

 

[DiabeticWarriorPrincess89]

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with a professor, you know you are entitled to see a different dr/consultant/professor and like someone said you can make a complaint to PALS because the feedback you give will go straight to that department and will be sorted...I had a consultant who was just as bad. He accused me for eating hamburgers and not taking my insulin. But since I moved away and changed hospitals my diabetic team have been fantastic and quite supportive to the point that my HBA1C has improved thanks to them

 

[AroundAgain]

Hi meetoe

What you have described is dispicable and not what we expect from anyone, especially in a clinic. I'm a retired NHS Ward Sister and know that this just isn't acceptable. If his consultant was aware of this attack that you were exposed to, that doctor would (certainly should) be severely reprimanded or even suspended for such an affront.

Please, please, please report this to PALS, in writing if you'd prefer, outlining exactly what was said between you, his attitude etc, that when you asked to see a different doctor his inexcusable response, refusing your request and asking you to leave and how you felt by the time you did leave.

Your complaint HAS TO BE taken seriously. For the sake of others even, please report this behaviour. If you need help to construct a letter, I'm sure you will have help here, certainly from me.

Stick with it. It sounds like you have been working hard at getting your blood levels down. You'll get plenty support from here.

 

[magjanereer]

Hi All,

Still a newbie here in the UK and I just had my second doctor's appointment at the hospital.

I have a feeling this seems to be the norm, but it was so horrible!

My usual doctor was still seeing patients, so I got allocated a "professor" instead.

All he did was read off the computer screen and told me off, and that that all the work I've done to bring down my HBA1C was "not good enough". He didn't even bother to listen to any of my concerns nor provide any constructive feedback. It felt like I was being bullied then entire time and he even threatened me to get my HBA1C down significantly.
Then I politely asked if I was going to see my usual doctor and that this visit was a once off, and he lost his **** and started yelling and scribbling stuff and asked me to leave.
....
I have done so much work to improve my diabetes management over the last 2 months, and to have that thrown in your face by someone who is meant to support and help you through it is a huge disappointment.

I guess I'm just a little down by the whole experience and I thought I'd reach out to the community for some support.

Thanks for reading

Poor you That is such unfair treatment...I guess he/she did not want to be there..Anyway don't give up

 

[robertconroy]

I'd say these Gods of Endocrinology are stressed because they don't know what they are doing.
I'm a Yank, LA Times just put out an article that said 46% of adult Californians are estimated to have pre-diabetes, and 90% don't know they have it. California is the health nut state, what do you think Mississippi looks like?
All because doctors are using the old fasting serum glucose test, rather than an an HBA1C. My doctor says they probably miss 80%.
All diabetes drugs mostly just raise insulin to pound glucose into the cells. High insulin is what caused your type 2 diabetes in the first place, and will only make your insulin resistance worse, not better
Here is the $10 type 2 diabetes cure:
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-GL-Diet-Handbook-Revolutionary/dp/1569755744

 

[himtoo]

I'd say these Gods of Endocrinology are stressed because they don't know what they are doing.
I'm a Yank, LA Times just put out an article that said 46% of adult Californians are estimated to have pre-diabetes, and 90% don't know they have it. California is the health nut state, what do you think Mississippi looks like?
All because doctors are using the old fasting serum glucose test, rather than an an HBA1C. My doctor says they probably miss 80%.
All diabetes drugs mostly just raise insulin to pound glucose into the cells. High insulin is what caused your type 2 diabetes in the first place, and will only make your insulin resistance worse, not better
Here is the $10 type 2 diabetes cure:
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-GL-Diet-Handbook-Revolutionary/dp/1569755744

@robertconroy
your previous post to the OP is a bit misplaced. The OP is type 1 since being a baby.
perhaps read the topic thoroughly before replying going forward.

 

[ChrisSamsDad]

@robertconroy
your previous post to the OP is a bit misplaced. The OP is type 1 since being a baby.
perhaps read the topic thoroughly before replying going forward.

Not to mention no book is ever going to be a 'cure' for diabetes - talk about over-simplification!

 

[Daibell]

Not to mention no book is ever going to be a 'cure' for diabetes - talk about over-simplification!

Hi. Many would say it's the T2 that caused the high insulin thru insulin resistance itself caused by excess weight and genes.

 

[TJR56]

There has been a turnover (again) in my consultant and I did not see the previous one, who is newly in post, prepared to listen and advise rather than lecture. The doctor I saw on my last hospital OP visit (Diabetes Clinic) was obviously uninterested, checked my HbA1c and seemed to think it was OK at 7.8, slightly up on last year's. I have had to go gluten free and find the carb levels higher (in effect, anyway). I wanted to speak about LCHF which I decided was a good way to go because of the higher readings I get after eating GF bread or pasta etc. I have lost some weight since trying out LCHF and cutting my insulin back accordingly. The doctor recommended I raise my Lantus /glargine (but did not suggest any number of units - I only take 5 since going nearly-LCHF) but I know I go hypo during the night on more. I was not given an opening to bring this up, and was left with the feeling that I was a 60-year-old (57 years T1) who was OK. OK is not where I want to be; I shall ask to see my previous consultant when I book my next appointment.
Sorry you had a bad consultation with the doctor. They are not all like that and I may mention my feeling of being waved through in a very busy clinic when next I see my own consultant. When I book my next appointment I shall ask to see the one who is interested in discussing my management, and I suggest that is the least you should do.