"Shambles"

Visited today with my husband after being referred by the gp with suspected thyroid eye disease. Appointment was at 13.35, at 14.10 we asked if there was a delay as nothing was said when we arrived, I think my husband had the first appointment of the afternoon session, we were told we were next. When seen at around 14.15 there was no apology for the delay or even acknowledgement of it. The consultant we saw had very poor communication skills, putting drops in my husbands eyes without telling him, the drops sting quite a lot but again no mention of this.

Brief examination but no real interest in anything said, diagnosis of thyroid eye disease, no treatment or suggestions given, no suggestion to try selenium supplements as indicated in the clinical guidelines, no questions about smoking as this increases the severity/risk.

Come on doctors, please talk to your patients, it is one of the most important skills a doctor can have, to talk and listen to a patient is essential.