"Cardiology Outpatients"

I’ve unfortunately had a disappointing experience over a number of years with the Cardiology outpatient service, which, out of a total desperation for help and answers, led me to seek a private assessment due to the impact of my ongoing symptoms. At my private appointment, I was given a diagnosis within minutes based on my existing test results and symptom history. The private consultant expressed genuine concern that I had not yet received a diagnosis or any guidance on symptom management, let alone treatment, for what they described as a clear-cut case.

I want to emphasise that I regularly send compliments to the NHSCT user feedback department, via care opinion, or directly to NHS staff teams, as I deeply appreciate the pressures the health service is under and strongly believe in recognising and thanking staff who go above and beyond. It’s for this reason that I tried to raise my concerns informally, rather than through a formal complaint, opting instead to send a copy of the private cardiology letter to the lead consultant, along with a letter outlining my experience and a few follow-up questions.

However, it has sadly now been five weeks without any acknowledgement or response. This unfortunately means not only have my concerns gone unanswered, but I am still without the treatment recommendations included in the diagnosis letter as a GP cannot prescribe these directly.

I’m now raising my concern through Care Opinion in the hope that it will help to improve the process for others who may find themselves in similar circumstances in the future.