"appalling experience at O.T. hand therapy,..."

I was referred to the OT hand therapy by the GP after having experienced a painful wrist for several months. The GP explained that the OT department would assess the problem and make a decision on whether a referral to a consultant is required.

At my first appointment I was in tears (and pain) – I waited several weeks for this appointment and the pain in my wrist had become worse - and I expected to be referred by the OT hand therapy department to an orthopaedic. Alas, the lady who was treating me did not even consider this (Despite my plea and having evidence that my wrist is inflamed) and asked me to do exercises and come back in several weeks for a follow up appointment. I patiently waited for the follow-up appointment and again she didn't take my concerns seriously. She made comments such as 'I am a not a doctor but in my opinion' and 'you will end up anyway in my department so might as well continue' and 'if you go and see a specialist you will be exposed to Xrays etc which is not good for you'.

After more pain and tears in the second appointment, the lady said she would send a letter to the triage where they would review my case and that it might take several weeks for referral. After that I decided to get a private appointment where I saw a specialist within a week - here an

Xray and MRI showed several severely torn wrist ligaments and bone bruises, I am now awaiting surgery! Very appalled and worried that the NHS drive to save money at the expense of patients is being taken too far at the OT hand therapy department at Ashford Hospital.