"'Requires improvement'"

I was very happy to have been seen on a Rapid Access Clinic pathway. On the day of the assessment I was seen by a Consultant, she explained nothing! The Health Care Assistant explained what would happen next, she could see that the Doctor had not explained at all (this is well beyond her pay grade- but thankfully she took it upon herself to do this). The mammography was uncomfortable- that is how they are, but the radiographer was so unwelcoming, quite plainly I was putting her out. The sonographer was very reassuring and informative- explaining what he had seen on the scan- explaining that the mammogram was normal on initial reporting. Then it was back to the consultant- who issued me with a prescription, the Health Care Assistant explained I would need to return for a follow up.

On return one month later- parking was a nightmare. I was seen very promptly by a different breast surgeon. He did not explain very much either! I had to enquire about the overall results of the investigations, but was brushed off by his answer.

I know that medical professionals have the power to be effective communicators- why can they not use that skill. I am a service user- I want to be an active participant- what is hard about this. I expect to be treated as a full human being not merely a pair of breasts.

I hope that I don't need to attend this clinic again, I've already made my mind up- off to Cambridge for me!