"Arrogant Neurologist"

I attended an appointment with a neurologist at Ayr Hospital and I must register complaint regarding this person's entire attitude towards patients.

Firstly, this consultant appeared at reception, called my name and promptly retired to their room which was out of sight of reception and as I could only walk slowly I had to ask a nurse to identify the consulting room.

This consultant speaks rather quietly, resulting in me having to regularly say, “Pardon? ” This seemed to irritate this consultant, who was quite rude when suggesting that it was time I had a hearing aid.

At one point during the examination I had to roll my trousers above knee height and then climb on to the examination couch. By the time I was on the couch the trousers had slipped slightly so the consultant pushed them up again quite roughly, making clear their frustration that all was not going according to their requirements.

Although I had gone to be examined particularly down the left leg and foot following a severe case of shingles, this consultant was convinced that there is weakness throughout my left side, suggesting a possible stroke, hence the recommendation for scans of both head and leg. This consultant totally dismissed the information that I suffered a severely damaged shoulder some years ago which required the insertion, and later removal, of long metal pins which in my experience greatly weakened the shoulder.

I cannot say that I was not thoroughly examined by this consultant, who I am sure is eminently qualified in their field, but what I can say is that they must have been absent on the afternoon training course that dealt with ‘bedside manners’

My husband attended with me and we gave this consultant the respect we would give anyone in the medical profession. We managed, with difficulty, to say nothing about their manner and it is a great pity that this consultant does not extend their patients the same courtesy.

I hope my complaint might be registered and borne in mind should there be any similar comment made by other patients about this Doctor’s attitude.