"Absent consultants"

Anything else?

I had orthopaedic surgery at this hospital but the operating surgeon was never present at any of my follow-up reviews. I had some concerns about my results and despite me (and my GP) writing to request a consultation with the senior consultant I/my GP received no reply. Most of the time I was seen by practice nurses, who were all very professional and helpful, but they clearly cannot give the same opinions as the surgeon. I never saw the same person twice. Interestingly, it is very easy to see a consultant privately so the NHS consultations are mostly confined to the actual surgery. I heard similar complaints being made by other patients in the waiting room. I don't think this is a problem only at this hospital - it is rife across the NHS. The standard answer on this point will almost certainly be 'we have a lot of patients to see' but guess what, you can definitely see them (in person) if you attend their private clinics.