"I felt quite shocked by their attitude"

I was treated really well on arrival and taken by wheelchair to my appointments. The Porter was amazing.

When I arrived for my outpatient appointment I was seen almost immediately by the doctor, who in my opinion, was rude and unhelpful from the outset. I felt quite shocked by their attitude.

I wish I had recorded the conversation as I found it hard to believe a professional could seem to have such a bad attitude.

They appeared to have no idea of my medical background despite having all my information to hand and asked me what I wanted to be done.

In my opinion, they were dismissive of my symptoms and history and when I told them about numbness and pins and needles in my feet they told me to forget about my feet.  They appeared belligerent and it left me feeling very upset.

Thankfully, there was a nurse present to witness this behaviour. The doctor asked where the X-rays were, however hadn’t asked for any to be done which surprised me as that is usually requested. While I was there, a letter was not dictated to my GP, which I found unusual.

I think now that patients are not allowed to be accompanied at appointments, some doctors are able to take advantage. I have been in the care of this hospital for over 25 years and have never before been treated like this.

I feel dismayed and appalled that, in my opinion they can get away with interacting with patients this way. If consultations were monitored more closely, I feel that would protect patients’ interests and ensure professional behaviour at all times.

This has left me feeling very wary about any future consultations or care at this clinic.