"Joined Up Thinking"

My Consultant a specialist at the RUH is a truly refreshing experience.

I would never complain about the NHS they have always looked after me very well and all my specialist over the years have solved / stabalised whatever it was that was ailing me, however, my appointment with this Consultant was enlightening.

Doctors and Specialist everywhere are so rushed off their feet, that usually they have only enough time to whizz you in and out and concentrate on their field of expertise I would never complain I only have admiration.

During a trip to A&E this week (chest pains, dizziness and weakness) I had a CT of my brain to rule out a stroke. It was decided I needed an MRI so stayed in overnight. White spots were seen on the MRI but I was allowed home and said I would be seen as an outpatient.

I was telephoned that evening to say could I come in the following day (that to me meant impending doom - when do you ever get an appointment for the next day?)

The Consultant looked at my entire history, i have had multiple admissions for various things including Crohns Disease, she considered my full range of medicines, family history and lifestyle.

I was with her for around 60 minutes.

She adjusted any preconceived / standard treatment plans taking in to consideration everything I told her, we even contacted my brother in the USA to find out cause of his stroke.

She modified the treatment plan in order to keep my other conditions in balance.

She said there was no point in making me ill with something else and she cut out one drug altogether which she said had the potential to be more trouble that it was worth given my history.

I came away confident that she not only cared but could wanted truly to make sure she didn't have to keep seeing me by getting it right first time - or at least having a damn good go

WELL DONE, and to the NHS please give your specialists enough time to make truly informed treatment plans.

it will save more time and money in the long run.