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Care Opinion

Not feeling listened to

Posted By ignoredpatient22

"Not feeling listened to"

About: General practices in Fife

(as the patient),

Earlier this year I started developing symptoms of an autoimmune disorder.  As someone with a history of them, I went to my GP. I had cataloged my symptoms and done tons of research, yet I felt dismissed, and told that my symptoms were just exam stress. Fortunately, I knew that this wasn't true and went home to my family in the US where I was immediately hospitalised and spent nearly a month in intensive care.

My doctors in the US told me that the actions of UK doctors could have led to kidney failure, as apparently I was admitted just in time. So, I returned to the UK, presented all of this to a new GP who has not continued the medications that my American specialists deemed necessary and have put me on a waiting list for a specialist, which they are saying could take up to 9 months.

I am concerned that  I won't survive 9 months without medication and so I am having to fly back and forth to the US and may even have to leave school due to the financial stress. The doctors I have spoken to are not listening, they do not appear to care that there are physical (visible) symptoms and that I have documentation. I feel absolutely been failed by the doctors at my surgery

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Responses

Response from Siobhan Mcilroy, Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services, NHS Fife 14 months ago
Siobhan Mcilroy
Head Patient Experience, Corporate Services,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/03/2023 at 14:05
Published on Care Opinion at 14:05

picture of Siobhan Mcilroy

Dear ignoredpatient22

My name is Siobhan McIlroy and I am the Head of Patient Experience. Thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion. NHS Fife welcomes all feedback.

I am sorry that you feel dismissed and not listened too, this must be frustrating and distressing for you. It must have been frightening for you and your family when you were admitted to intensive care when you got back back. I am sorry you feel failed by your doctors and to have the worry of financial stress along with your studies must be awful.

If you would like an opportunity to discuss your concerns further you can email me at siobhan.mcilroy@nhs.scot. I hope to hear from you soon, take care and best wishes, Siobhan

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Response from Samantha Clarke, Service Manager, Primary Care, NHS Fife 14 months ago
Samantha Clarke
Service Manager, Primary Care,
NHS Fife

Submitted on 08/03/2023 at 15:41
Published on Care Opinion at 16:11

Good afternoon

My name is Sam Clarke and I am the Service Manager for Primary and Preventative care. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on care opinion.

I was very sorry to hear that your recent encounter with your GP practice was not as you expected and understand you must have felt frustrated and disappointed with your experience. I would like to reassure you that we strive to provide person-centred care tailored to individual needs.

If you are in agreement I could look into this further for you. In order to fully understand your experience I would need some more details. If this is something you would feel comfortable with, please contact me directly. My email address is samantha.keane@nhs.scot.

Best wishes

Sam

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