"Poor Holistic Care"

My grandfather had suffered a stroke whilst in hospital on 22/01/19 and was transferred to Haldane Ward later that evening. The following day my mother had patiently waited to see a Doctor for an update.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend, being a doctor myself, I would have had to cancel a clinic with 15 patients missing their appointments. From my experience on working on a ward I asked my mother if she could kindly leave me on loudspeaker during the meeting so I too could hear about what had happened to my grandmother (I had asked to speak to a doctor the evening before but totally understand due to other on-call commitments this would be difficult).

My mother politely asked if her son could listen to the meeting and explained why I could not be there. Unfortunately the doctor's words were, "I am not prepared to discuss this with anyone on the phone, he needs to see me face to face if he wants an update". He made it clear his agenda was non-negotiable. My mother, who is not medically trained herself felt very frightened and nervous from this. She was upset that I was unable to at least listen into the conversation. She tells me the doctor was condescending, appeared arrogant, and clearly not thoughtful. My grandfather had suddenly lost the ability to see yesterday as he had the stroke, and understandably we are all very stressed and upset for him. This doctor failed to recognize the impact that this had had on the family, nor was he able to show any sympathy or compassion, some of the most basic principles one could hope to expect from a doctor. My mother left the meeting and called me crying at how upset she was, of course because of her father, but also that the meeting could not have been any worse for the way she was spoken to sounded horrible.

It troubles me greatly to know that there are healthcare professionals who lack the ability to practice holistically and with a patient centred approach. We feel very let down.

It seems I will indeed have to take compassionate leave and cancel an NHS clinic in order for the doctor to have yet another discussion (and waste NHS resources) with myself, where he can explain himself 'face to face'. Unfortunately it won't be just myself he is inconveniencing, but a whole clinic of patients who have desperately been waiting for their own appointment with myself. On that note, I regularly have elderly patients with their son/daughter on the phone who can help describe their symptoms or concerns better than the patient themselves. I understand that this is common place and appreciate the time the relative has taken in looking out for the patient.

I very much look forward to meeting him.

I posted this review 10 days ago on a couple of occasions but unfortunately it appears someone is blocking it's upload.

Since 10 days ago my grandfather had sadly passed away.