"My original symptoms remained untreated"

Following a referral by my GP, initially the consultant (Gastroenterology) did not take any complaint very seriously. Subsequently, following my letter of complaint, their attitudes have changed for the better and the consultant ordered a series of investigations – with negative results.

They then referred me in turn to the hospital for tropical diseases. HTD investigations were also negative; however, I was given two courses of very strong medication presumptively, with no beneficial effects on my original symptoms – the reason for the referral by my GP.

In fact, given that those two sets of investigations took over 18 months, my symptoms had deteriorated. Even so, another referral from my GP in October 2010 evoked an unhelpful reply. I was left with a feeling that the investigations had taken an independent course of their own, irrespective of the effect or lack of it in my case on my original symptoms, which remained untreated.

There seems to be a problem in the UCH post-room. The correspondence from and to the consultant was usually delayed by a couple of weeks. For instance, two letters dictated on 07/12/10 were not posted until 16/12/10 and 23/12/10 respectively.

The staff carrying out the investigations were efficient and helpful.