"Diagnosis problems, delays and poor communication"

This story has been posted by Healthwatch Tameside on behalf of a member of the public who asked not to have their name published. They said…

This man had an unexplained (no accident) injury to his foot in July 13. He was referred by GP to Tameside General Hospital, where he was told he’d be given tests. No contact from TGH for 2 months, then tests but referred in turn to 3 different consultants, nothing done, referred back to GP.

GP referred back to TGH to consultant. Sent for MRI scan, but it was done on back not foot. Then saw consultant’s registrar who diagnosed tendon problem, had foot put into plaster, and arranged for physiotherapy after that. When he saw physiotherapist, was told it was not tendon, so physio not appropriate, and referred back to consultant. Another long delay and now has appointment in March with the same consultant.

All this time he has been off work and on crutches. He feels he has been pushed around, ignored, given wrong tests, and so on. He told GP he wanted referral to a different hospital but GP refused, on grounds that this consultant was the best man. At the time this story was told to Healthwatch in February, he had not yet seen thus consultant, only other staff.

He has complained to PALS about TGH and his GP. His mother offered to pay for private treatment but GP was still refusing the necessary referral.