"Dissatisfied with Rheumatology doctor, Essex"

Firstly, I appreciate the challenges facing the NHS and I have a high regard for medical staff and I am fully aware of how hard they have to work and being a health care professional myself, I understand the problems.

That said, I had to wait nearly 6 months for an outpatient appointment. Maybe they were busy and I even accept that.

When I arrived for my appointment, the nursing and Admin. staff were welcoming and friendly. However, I was hugely disappointed with the Rheumatologist I saw. They said they were not aware that this was my first appointment, everything was rushed and at times, I struggled to get a word in about my problems, they seemed a bit aloof, was busy writing and did not appear to be listening. there was absolutely no patient involvement or evidence of partnership in care.

A very brief and rushed examination but did not examine half the parts of my body I am having problems with. The blue rather heavy duty gloves worn by the doctor shocked me and put me off and I got the impression, rightly or wrongly that they did not want to dirty their hands but I am a clean person and the doctor was not dealing with body fluids or intimate body parts and I was fully clothed throughout the examination. The phrases, "dealing with cattle" and "rationing of time and compassion,"entered my mind but I dismissed these ideas.

I left the clinic, still with questions that had not been answered and frankly, I was no wiser about my condition,it seemed a waste of time, the doctor could not get rid of me quick enough and I was aware of poor communication skills and lack of dignity and respect, I was truly only a number, or so I felt, another box could be ticked! and the doctor could get on with the next patient, I was discharged!

I have had other outpatient clinic appointments (with doctors from other specialist areas) at the same hospital, but despite being busy, the doctors have always been very kind and compassionate and have had time to listen and they have always explained things very well and I have come away feeling valued and respected.

I feel very sad about this experience, has our dear NHS, always so dear to my heart, really come to this. This experience must not be repeated.