"Lost respect and lack of humanity"

I am very upset by the medical practices this week and ended up having to hang up on a call as I felt that I was being abused over the phone myself. I have diabetes and on Monday I missed a call from my doctors, so I rang them back and was put through to a pharmacist.

I was informed that I was to stop two of my medications and that they would be unprescribed, I asked why and was told because my readings were running high. I asked if I shouldn’t have a consultation with the doctor before stopping the medication and was told I would be going onto insulin instead.

I again asked about a consultation, and I said I wasn't having a go at them and I called them "love" whereby I was interrupted and in an aggressive voice and told not to call them “love”.

I did not mean anything by this, it's a word that I use a lot but high offence was taken and I felt oppressed by this.

I therefore ended the call as we were not getting anywhere.

My wife rang later to explain and she was told that your husband needs to amend his speech!

As a note of point I received notification yesterday that I do in fact need to be put on insulin.

I also now have an appointment for the diabetes clinic at Ayr hospital, I have explained that I am unable to make my way there (this would involve buses and trains) and asked that the appointment be transferred to Crosshouse which I can attend. I was refused and so I will not be able to make this needed appointment.

I am in my late 60's and was diagnosed with diabetes at 50. I have not taken any medication at all now for several days, if they can not look me in the eye at a face to face appointment and explain everything to me then what is the point?

I believe that healthcare has lost respect for patients and lacks humanity.