"It would be helpful if they could provide an explanation"

About: Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow / Neurology (Ward 53 and 67)

(as a service user),

Recently, I had a rather disappointing appointment with a Dr. Compared to other doctors I have consulted, their demeanor and attention to my case were disheartening. It seemed that they had already formed an opinion about the outcome of the consultation and made little effort to clarify their assumptions. I felt as though they were not particularly interested in my case. To wait for more than a year for this, and to be left feeling like this was a complete waste of time is upsetting.

While I do not doubt their clinical expertise in their particular specialization, they were unwilling to consider any other possibilities or explain why certain tests, such as routine neurological tests and blood work, were not considered. As a result, I did not feel that this was a valuable second opinion.

On a few occasions, I felt that they contradicted themselves by stating that my symptoms were not indicative of a particular condition when they were, in fact, indicative of that condition.  Though being 'blunt' can be good, I feel it should be delivered with substance and empathy.

Surely if a second opinion is sought then it should be done so without prejudice and this includes a proper review.  This was not what I felt happened here. 

If a diagnosis is made, it is unacceptable to be told that there is no additional pathway. Above all, it would be appreciated if there was at least some sort of empathetic approach..  

I understand that consultants have a lot of experience and knowledge, but they are not infallible. It would be helpful if they could provide an explanation of their assumptions and how they came to their conclusions.

I feel disheartened.

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Responses

Response from Nicole McInally, Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 8 months ago
Nicole McInally
Patient Experience and Public Involvement Project Manager, PEPI,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Submitted on 18/07/2024 at 08:45
Published on Care Opinion at 09:34


picture of Nicole McInally

Dear Ald077

Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch. I am sorry to read about your experience at your neurology appointment and that you have been left feeling upset and disheartened. I will ensure that your comments are brought to the attention of the senior staff for the department and shared with the team.

If you would like to discuss this further, can you please contact my colleague, Amy O’Sullivan, who is the Clinical Services Manager for Neurology. Amy’s email address is: amy.o'sullivan [at] ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Thank you

Nicole

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