"A bad experience after a previously good one."

I have visited this clinic 3 years before and was so impressed that I was treated sensitively and efficiently by the team. I received answers which reassured, on that day. Yesterday I had reason to be referred again, being given a pm appointment. There was obviously trouble with manning the reception which was causing difficulties. I saw the consultant after 45 mins. The style was abrupt, with my sister observing him write notes with wet hands in a bid for speed. I did not know how to get a nipple sample but was not aided. My sister suggested we came back later if the nipple bled later but we were told no and to go to have a mammogram. I enquired that I would be able to discuss the findings of the test after with him, as I'd done three years before with a different consultant. I was told I had to make an appointment to discuss findings in two weeks. I was crushed- as women who get sent to the breast clinic are usually terrified. I went to make the appointment and the receptionist told me and other women she was going home and I had to go to dermatology to make my appointment ; they told me that they were complaining to their supervisor about the breast clinic. I went back and there was chaos with other women also upset. I actually burst into tears which was humliating. The whole concept of this clinic is to reassure women. We had to leave my paperwork and the onus was on me to phone the next day to get my next appointment. In imaging the staff could not have been kinder or more professional but I was told that I could not have an ultrasound as a consultant wasn't in on a Wed... So much for the 14 day rule for referrals, it was a waste of my time and emotional energy as I was told I had to come back Monday evening to gain an ultrasound. The staff said the consultant doing it would talk me through and give verbal feedback, they suggested I argued for an earlier appointment rather than two weeks. The mammogram was carried out by a lovely lady who had to deal with another patient who was desperately upset and banging the door. The sonographer was unable to get answers for this poor lady as nobody was answering the phone in the breast clinic and she was unable to leave her position. I do appreciate that the NHS is under heavy demand but had I known that by attending this clinic on a Weds Pm, I would not get the 'one visit service' I'd had before, I would have waited another few days to get it. I left so distressed and my family who depend upon me are distressed as I got no answers after waiting for this appointment. I've enquired about getting a private consultation which I cannot afford as even if my symptoms are not serious, peace of mind is so important. I was not the only patient who was very upset. You build up to go to these appointments, imagining the worst and are hopefully reassured and met with calm professionalism, as was my experience 3 years ago. Sadly I could not have had a worse experience yesterday.