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"Doctor an hour late for scheduled appointment"

About: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust / Adult mental health

(as the patient),

I had a mental health appointment by telephone ( due to Covid restrictions) I was first to be seen at 9am that morning  but by 10am I had to phone the clinic as I was still waiting. . I believed that I had somehow missed a day, but the receptionist told me that the doctor was in the clinic and that I was still first to be seen.

An hour and a quarter after the scheduled time for the appointment, the doctor called me. They said that they had been discussing a different case with a colleague. I asked whether they realised that the service was dealing with people who are mentally ill and need structure and reassurance. They said they did.  I asked whether it had ever  it had ever crossed their mind to get a staff member to telephone me to let me know there was delayed but that they were aware that I was to be seen. They said they hadn't. I said that common courtesy dictates that you keep people who are waiting for you up to date and that it was the height of unprofessionalism.

The doctor  said that they has decided that I was going to do a certain practical  therapeutic treatment. I told the doctor that they had not involved me in the decision and had assumed that I lack capacity to decide for myself. In any case, the activity is not one that I would do anyway as I am not interested in it at all. 

The doctor then asked me when I was going to get a job. I explained that I had been medically retired from work on evidence that they had supplied my former employer. I added that while I receive an occupational pension, I still pay tax. I asked them how much more tax they would like me to pay. I told the doctor they were telling the wrong person to go and get a job and that I felt that they considered me  a habitual welfare claimant, when in fact I do not claim a penny from the State. 

 I have submitted a formal complaint to my local MH Trust ref these matters and have informed them that if I receive no meaningful resolution and way forward I will contact my MP. 

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