"UCLH Fertility Unit"

A few weeks ago I had an ovarian scan. When I was called by the Doctor I was told my husband couldn't come in with me because the room was too small. Nothing was mentioned about Covid and again the Doctor was not wearing a mask. I insisted and he said fine, his attitude was dismissive. We went into the room which was not as small as expected, but was filled with an icy awkwardness, he proceeded to ask questions about my health. He was curt, dismissive, lacking in sympathy or empathy and I felt uncomfortable and unsafe.

I tried to make jokes to ease the tension and it was clear that he neither understood nor appreciated my attempts. I sat there answering these questions seriously considering whether I should allow him to do the exam or insist on asking for another consultant. I felt I was already a bother and didn't make a fuss. I regret this now.

When asked about if I'd had any surgery, I told him and he apologised to hear it had happened, again trying to lighten to mood I said why it's not your fault. He then said, I was trying to be empathetic. Trying further to be amenable and get myself into a space where I was less uncomfortable, I told my husband it was fine for him to leave the room and wait for me in the waiting room. Again I regret that, there was more than enough space for him to stand by my head and hold my hand. Once in situ, he referred to my copper coil as 'rusty', implying that it had been there for too long and explained in dismissive tones all my options for family planning. I had to ask twice for the results of the ovarian scan which was the reason I was there. He also ended the appointment saying 'you weren't such a tricky patient after all'.

As soon as I was outside of the hospital I broke down into sobs at what just happened. I am so grateful for the NHS, I have deliberated on sharing this since the appointment. I am sharing this now for all the other women who might be treated by this Doctor in UCLH, in the hopes that someone in the department will see this and act.