"Painful and disrespectful care given by gynaecologist at Leigh Infirmary"

I was referred to Leigh infirmary by my GP who had (mis)diagnosed a Bartholin's abscess.

The consultant examined me and I was in lots of pain. I asked him no less than 3 times to stop. At one point I physically pushed him away as I was in so much pain. This consultant did nothing to calm me, my requests (which turned into orders) were ignored. He continued to examine me (which I understand was completely necessary) but the way in which I was examined and treated was painful and felt unnecessary. I cried after the procedure because I felt violated and that my wishes were not considered (or even acknowledged.)

This consultant didn't take into account that: -

a) The part of my body he was examining is extremely sensitive to start off with.

b) A woman can feel very vulnerable when a complete stranger is examining that area especially as I was alone with the exception of my young baby and a nurse.

c) "Stop," "Ouch", "Get off' means that he should stop. Even if he doesn't think he should.

d) I was in extreme pain.

The consultant explained (whilst he examined me) that he had to do this because he "had been given a lot of wrong information", I said that this wasn't my fault and he should not be taking his frustration out on me or my body. He said that he needed to have a good look at me to find out exactly what was wrong.

I appreciate that he had a job to do and that it was difficult to diagnose my condition BUT in my opinion he was unprofessional and disrespectful.

He could have stopped for a second or two, he could have apologised, he could have told me that this needed to be done and it would be over with soon - I basically needed some reassurance but I received none.

I seriously considered making a formal complaint against this consultant - the only reason I didn't was because I needed to be seen by his colleague for a second opinion and I did not want this to be delayed any longer than necessary.