I saw a consultant a few weeks ago regarding chronic pain in my back. This surgeon had performed a hip replacement for me 5 years ago. On entering the room it would have been clear that I was in a lot of pain as I was upset and in a hospital wheelchair. A few minutes in to the consultation, the consultant made 3 extremely personal remarks about my size/weight. I am aware that I am overweight but I feel that thus consultant mafe no effort whatsoever to addtess this issue with any kind of professionslism. The consultant did not take any time to explore my feelings or attempt to ask how my lack of mobility( for nearly a year) may have impacted on my emotional or physical health. I was left feeling utterly embarrassed and deflated. There are many reasons why people may be over weight and I fully appreciate thst NHS staff may have to talk about this with patients from time to time. There is most definstely a way thst this can be done with the patient leaving feeling valued, respected and heard. On this occasion I left feeling acutely embarrassed, bewildered, upset and really angry. People should never be categorised or defined merely by their weight or appearance. We all deserve respect no matter what our size. Surely as a society we have moved on? Do we not now embrace diversity and the unique quality that each human being has? I feel really sad rhat this consultant chose such a blunt and demeaning way to talk to me.
"Orthopaedic consultation"
About: Golden Jubilee National Hospital / Orthopaedics Golden Jubilee National Hospital Orthopaedics G81 4HX
Posted by Gretna (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Paula McPhail