"Experience at the prosthetics clinic"

I attended an appointment, made at my request, for reassessment due to weight loss.  Unfortunately, a false breast does not also reduce in shape and size and it was beginning to affect confidence.

On the positive side, I am grateful that such general Service Provision is made via the NHS.  I have used this Service previously and have been attended by other staff who displayed empathy, sensitivity as well as professional skill.  I will also add that I have always found the receptionist helpful and welcoming.

I felt that these qualities were lacking in the staff member attending at this appointment. I have met this person once before and at that time also concluded that they was professionally cold.  In summary, on this occasion, I felt belittled, rushed and that I was just being an insignificant nuisance.  The appointment was for 11.30 and I had left by 11.45.  I said that I could not cope with this, got dressed and left the room without speaking another word in order to keep some dignity and control.

Perhaps I irritated the person initially by trying to politely end a phone call for approximately 30 seconds rather than immediately jumping to attention when they called me into the room in what I felt was a school teacher manner.  I really don’t understand why they said they could not give an opinion when asked and then gave one when not asked, adding that they could not see any issue with the breast size anyway.  From the questions, I was left with the impression that they did not know that areas of amputation, surgery and treatment can remain sensitive and painful long term (and even permanently).  I did not appreciate the staff member's sharp manner of questioning and assuming.  I was surprised that they did not seem to know that it is also acceptable for a person to wear a contact type breast form with the cover on as a non-contact.  Why not just ask a person nicely and helpfully "is there a reason why you are wearing the breast form in non-contact mode?” rather than making assumptions.

I feel that the staff member may benefit from some awareness and communication training.

Thankfully I can access another NHS Service or I will travel to a private facility and pay for Services when able.  It is very unfortunate that this is the only Service available locally.