"Patient Is NHS and NOT Private...."

Dear Reader,

My mother was in severe pain and was not able to get up without crying in pain…imagine that from a 75+ old lady? Hope it never happens to anyone! I tried getting in touch with the consultant/surgeon (who operated on my mother) on several occasions and finally got hold of him yesterday (note that I had to call yet again). As soon as he found out that she was an NHS patient, he said that she should go to casualty and that the line (his mobile number) was only for private patients. Really? What happened to the oath (Good Medical Practice) you took wherein it states that as a good doctor you will: make the care of your patient your first concern and maintain good partnerships with your patients? Having received your fees from the NHS, you conveniently forgot about this….it’s all about the money. A terrible way to treat the elderly and highly disappointing to know that this happens at Princess Margaret Hospital.