"Rude and abrupt Health Care Assistant"

I had an appointment at the Heathfield Suite to discuss my options regarding my gynaecology problem. The doctor I saw was extremely nice and explained the potential options very clearly. He said that he was going to discuss my case with a colleague and left the clinic room.

At this point the care assistant said abruptly that I needed to lose weight -or I wouldn't come off the operating table, and because I wasn't bleeding to death I wasn't a priority. Said a Dr would see me in six months.

Before I could answer the Dr returned to the clinic room and said that colleague had advised that I should be seen in three months and I was to start a course of medication to see if it would help prior to surgery.

I then left the appointment to come home- happy with the Dr's advice and plan of care.

However, I was left reeling from the cheeky and abrupt comments from the care assistant.

I am overweight but I am not grossly obese. The HCA made me feel that I was a bariatric patient. They looked at me with complete disdain.

I would like the care assistant to know that had they been a qualified medic they would have been aware that I am prescribed anti-depressants which not only increase the appetite- but slow down the metabolic rate.

I would also like this person to know that this manner is definitely not conducive to the care of a patient who endures depression.

This member of staff did not have any right to voice an opinion on what priority level I am- this is the Consultant's decision...nor did they have any right to comment on whether I was bleeding to death.

Gynaecology problems are not only worrying but highly embarrassing.I expect to be treated with dignity .I would not be happy for this care assistant to be present at any of my future appointments.