"Second outpatient visit and still a disppointment"

The initial visit was very disappointing, but had better hope for the follow-up appointment. The clinic was running 40 minutes latye, which was announced after being sat there for 40 minutes already, which while I can appreciate, a little more of an advance notice of the delay would have been nice.

The consultant appreared to show little interest (again!) in the presenting condition nor any positive feedback on the changes and actions carried out after the initial visit 4 months previous. As this ia a sensitive issue that affects both of us (the patient and their partner) we would have appreciated a little more compassion on this matter. The silence btween us was that uncomforatble at one point that the health care assistant in the room woth us offered us some words of support and their input, which was nice of them, but they shouldnt have to be relied upon to break an awkward silence.

Needless to say, the consulant we saw has essentially said that there is nothing much that can be done to help with the presenting problem. They did suggest some alternative forms of treatment but then promptly followed that up with further comments about their poor and unlikely success rate.

Both of us went into the appointment looking for some positivity and help and left feeling disappointed and upset at the information and treatment we recieved from the consultant. Taking time out of work to sit waiting for almost 2 hours for a 5 minute appointment where we achieved nothing and are no further forward felt like an absolute waste of time, not to mention valuable NHS resources in a clearly very busy outpatient department.

We have been asked to return for a further follow up appointment in 3-4 months time but I think its safe to say that we will be declining this appointment if this is the treatment and care will be subjected to for a 3rd time!!!

We have now been left with waiting for referrals put in by our GP and our own sefl referrals to find the help that we need. The consultant even suggested that that would be another very long wait due to the demand on the service. Is the 4 months we have already waited not long enough??!!