"poor after care"

I recently took my mother for a post op referral appointment from Christies hospital to see one particular consultant at Fairfield hospital as this location is closer to her home.

My mother is 80 years old and had recently undergone ovarian cancer surgery.

We were told on entering the consultation room by the consultant that she hadn't received any information about my mother's condition from Christies.

She proceeded to ask my mother for dates, names, and times of previous consultations dating back to 2016, by this time my mother was getting flustered and upset and apologised for not having the information at hand.

I interjected at this point and told the consultant that this questioning was upsetting my mum and that the information should be on record as a matter of course. I was told in no uncertain terms that the system doesn't work that way as there is a lack of communication between the various trusts in the NHS.

I told her that regardless of the way the system works she should have the information at hand after all it had been six months since referral. I told her this was poor to say the least.

She proceeded to question my mother who at this point was clearly upset and I had to interject once again. The consultant began to speak to me like I was ten years old in a very condescending and rude tone, and told me to stop talking as she was finding it difficult to hear two people at once!

My mother didn't know what to expect from this consultation, reassurance that the operation had been a success perhaps? Maybe some information of treatment and care she could expect in the future? At the very least she expected professionalism!

I am a normal, easy going, and rarely if ever complain about things.

I know the system is struggling and staff are overworked etc but I absolutely feel I have to air my views on this matter. NHS staff have my utmost respect for the work they do but sometimes EGO'S /attitudes can get in the way of humanity, care, and compassion!