Storms and chickens

[redfrock]

I've been sitting here mulling things over and I can't come to a decision. So I thought I would ask my Omlet Oracle their views on what I should do. (sorry its a very long winded)

 

On Friday I had to go to the hospital - twice! First to the one 5 minutes walk away to have a blood test to check for diabetes (again!) and then a couple of hours later to the one in the next town to the 'Lumps, Bumps and Hernias' clinic (fab name don't you think!). I had been referred by my doctor as I have had repeated infections in my tummy button (spreading into a rash across my stomach) following a laparoscopy 2 years ago. Previous doctors had done very little, but my new doctor had a good look and made an urgent referral as he thought it might be a 'sinus'. I was able to book my appointment at the hospital online using the NHS Clinic website. Out of the 4 nearby hospitals, one had an appointment in 7 days and all the others were 30+. Obviously I booked the earliest appointment available. It is a 'cottage' hospital in the next town.

 

So, off to the appointment. First you were sat in a waiting room and then moved out to 2 chairs in the corridor, outside the 2 consulting rooms. There was nothing on the board in the waiting room to say who the doctors were that day. As i sat in the corridor reading my book, I realized I could hear everything about the person already in there - because the door was wide open. I thought at the time that the doctor seemed very dismissive of the man but tried to concentrate on my book. Next it was my turn. The doctor called me in, leaving the door open and pointed me straight to the side room where the couch was. He left this door open too. He asked me where my original op had been done and I explained that it had been done at 'X', one of the main hospitals in the area. He then demanded (rudely) to know why I was at this hospital if my op had been done elsewhere. So I explained that I had moved since then and these were the more local hospitals to me. He looked at my tummy button very briefly. As he walked me back into main room (this door was also still open) he told me I had a sinus and probably infected stitches that have not dissolved. I then sat down and he asked if I was diabetic - I explained about that mornings blood test. 2 minutes later he asked me exactly the same question. I explained that I suffer from keloid scarring (this is important as the scar is being re-opened) but he didn't note it down. He told me it would be 18 weeks until surgery and dismissed me. It is only because I could see the form he was ticking that I know I am having a GA at the other main hospital in the area.

 

I left feeling unsettled by his whole attitude. He never introduced himself. He left all the doors wide open so the people after me could hear my consultation, and he had been rude. I rung my mum to let her know what was to happen. I mentioned to her what had happened and she said I should go straight back in and complain. I thought about it for a few minutes and decided to do so. I spoke to reception. There was a staff nurse in there at the time and she heard what I was saying and brought me round into the reception room. I explained about the open doors and how he had been rude, demanding to know why I was there. She said it was all totally unacceptable (patient confidentiality, and you can go to any hospital you wish to) and said she was going straight round to see what was going on and to sort it out. She asked who I had seen, and of course I couldn't tell her! I explained this. They went and found out. It turned out to be the Consultant's Registrar. They wrote down his name and gave me the paperwork to make a formal complaint. Now I would have thought they would have simply tried to sort it out there and left it at that, not given me the complaints procedure & p/k.

 

This is where I need your advice. Do I leave it as is or do I pursue the formal complaint? I'm a sensitive soul and got tearful when trying to explain the situation to the staff nurse (I always end up tearful when I am frustrated, as does my mum and grandmother, it's just so embarrassing) . The nursing staff were superb. It is just the registrar. I am not comfortable having him operate on me, given his attitude, especially as I am very nervous when it comes to operations. I am old enough to have shut the door myself, but I guess he threw me and I didn't think about it.

 

Advice much appreciated!

 

(sorry again for not being very succint)

[Tessa the Duchess]

This sort of thing just makes my blood boil I wish doctors would have included in their training, an understanding of just how nervous and anxious

most of their patients are. For a doctor to be rude and confrontational to a patient is just appalling and he obviously needs to go back to med. school The only reason I can think of for him not closing the door during your consultation is that I was under the impression that during an examination of a woman by a male doctor, there should be a female nurse present. Maybe they were short staffed and he was just covering his back. There are loads of nurses on here who will be much more helpful than I, but personally, I should fill in that form and make it clear that you are not willing to have him operate on you. Finally, sorry you had to go through this

humiliating and horrible experience.

 

Tessa.

[Olly]

Poor you. It's bad enough having to go to hospital, without that sort of treatment - it's unacceptable.

 

I think Tessa's explanation may be right (about female nurse not being present) - but then you said he was the same with the patient in front of you who was a man! Even if that were the case, he should have explained and offered you the option of waiting for a nurse to be available.

 

Well done for having the guts to complain - I'm glad the staff nurse took it seriously - I think you should go ahead. He probably behaves like this all the time, maybe he's rude to staff as well, but they can't do anything. If "Ooops, word censored!"ody complains, he will just go on doing it.

 

"Ooops, word censored!"ody should have to have the stress of being unwell and needing treatment made worse by this sort of behaviour. Fill the form out and take it further, you will probably get no more than a letter saying 'we're very sorry' but if enough people do it, maybe his managers will listen. Poor you, and I hope the sinus problem is soon sorted out as well.

[theherd123]

Claire what has happened is totally unacceptable and you were right to speak to someone about it so do not feel bad about this.

 

If i were you i would complete the formal complaint form as it is clear that this Dr was clearly not behaving in a professional manner and to treat his patients with such disrespect and lack of dignity is awful.

 

I think the key question hear is do you really want this chap operating on you?

 

It may help if you go back to your own doctor and explain what has happened too and say that you are not happy with the service you have recieved and see what they suggest.

 

Im sure other Omleteers will be along soon who can give much more expert guidance than me, some who are involved in the health service or know how to deal with this situation more clearly.

 

I know its easy to say but please try not to worry too much about this as i bet you will not be the first one to complain about his poor attitude nor im afraid will you be the last.

[Egluntyne]

Complain.

 

The days of a quiet word by a senior colleague are long gone I'm afraid....and people like this don't take any notice anyway.

 

Sorry you have had an upsetting experience.

 

By complaining you can ensure that it doesn't continue to happen to others.

 

Emphasise that you do not want this man to operate on you.

 

It is your right to choose.

[Guest]

i'm the same as you in the tearful stakes so I know exactly where you're coming from.

 

MY GP is brilliant so if it were me, I;d go back to my GP and tell him exactly what happened and see what he suggests and I;d ask him to refer me to a different specialist himself.

 

I don't know what your relationship is like with your GP though, do you think you'd be able to do that?

 

My GP makes my hospitale appts for me, I don't have to do it myself but I'm not sure if all surgeries work the same, maybe not.

 

From what you've said, the way he behaved is unacceptable and unprofessional and a complaint should be made but only you know if you feel up to following it through, no point making yourself upset and ill if you can just ask your GP to refer you elsewhere.

 

Good luck, hope you get it sorted without any more trauma.

 

xxx

[Becka]

I'd complain as I've noticed over the years that more and more doctors are lacking in the bedside manner that would make medical procedures much more bearable. I was in hospital with pregnancy complications, expecting third baby after having the previous two induced early due to pre-eclampsia, and found the treatment atrocious. The hospital lost all of my notes and I had to explain to each doctor I saw that I wanted specific tests on a regular basis because I'd had pre-eclampsia twice before. They didn't even record this on my new notes and I saw a different doctor each time. The last straw was after being admitted because my blood pressure was unsafe and my kidneys weren't processing properly, a consultant came round with his bevy of students to share with them his unsurpassed knowledge. He asked me what I thought was wrong and i told him I'd had pre-eclampsia previously and I felt I was beginning to go the same way again. He smirked at me and turned to his students and asked them how they knew I didn't have pre-eclampsia. They didn't know the answer and he told them it was simple because I'd be dead! I had terrible headaches and visual distortion at which point he told me I should have my eyes tested. I took my glasses off the side table and told him my eyes weren't the problem and suggested that he look at my notes - which had since resurfaced - and then suggested that he might reconsider his diagnosis. Strangely he left sharply, taking his willing sponges with him. What sort of example is that to be setting to student doctors? To say that I was fuming would be a very large understatement! I was so uptight and upset that my husband asked my father to come in and talk to me as he's also a doctor and fully understood the implications of my medical condition. He went to the nurses station to inquire as to just who the consultant had been and they didn't have a clue and couldn't supply a name! I was furious as had I been a young, first time mother, I wouldn't of pushed for the treatment that I knew I needed and would've been fobbed off by ignorant numpties like him to the detriment of both myself and baby. Long rant but if people behaved like this in an office environment there would be come back but some doctor's shouldn't be allowed near patients and should work on lab research! Don't feel intimidated because you have a right to be treated respectfully.

Best of luck,

Becka

[Jules.]

I'm sorry you have been treated like this (((hugs)))

You must complain, or else go & see your new GP (who sounds helpful since he took your condition seriously after all the other GP's didn't).

It will be no good to you if you don't do anything and just go along & have this rude registrar operate on you- your blood pressure would be so high beforehand with you getting worked up about it that he probably wouldn't be able to operate on you.

 

You have to think of yourself for once. With my last pregnancy I had a midwife who upset me so much and treted me in a similar way to you- no respect & she actually abused her postion as my carer. After a few weeks I contacted one of her superiors & asked that she did not attend me for antenatal or the birth- this was a hard decision to make but the right one for me- my blood pressure had started to rise with me just thinking about her, & that would have meant a hospital birth for me instead of the home birth I wanted.

I dislike confrontation, & I must admit I still feel sad that things had to come to what they did ( & I am also big on tears when I am upset- but that's a good thing. Tears are the heart's safety valve) but at the end of the day neither you nor I were treated with the dignity & respect which should have been the minimum level of care shown to us.

[redfrock]

thank you everybody for taking the time to read my version of War and Peace and all your advice. You have convinced me to take this further and I am going to complete the paperwork today. It is bad enough having to have another operation, without it being somebody who I have no faith in. Thanks again

[bronze]

I do think you should complain but as someone who really should have complained (I had appalling care from a mw and almost lost Nia as a result) and never did I know just how much hassle it is. Just be prepared for loads of paperwork and stress to go with it. I really wish I had complained as others say it stops other people being put through the same as you but in my case I had a new/prem baby to worry about as well as p.t.s. so had enough on my plate. You do have to weigh up all factors and if you think you can do it (are you riled enough for all that) then definitely go ahead.

Your best bet is to contact PALS who will send you the first batch of paperwork.

[Tina C]

Claire I think the fact that you were given the paperwork to complain so quickly indicates that other staff know there is a problem with that particular dr and WANT you to complain formally (?)

 

Sorry that you have had such a horrible time - I think you do need to ask to be referred to someone/somewhere else. Although it may mean a longer wait, it will probably be worth it if you receive better care and feel confident that you will be treated well, both from a medical perspective and as a human being with understandable fears, concerns and feelings.

[Cinnamon]

Yes Claire,please do complain.

 

I hate the arrogant attitude of some of our health care professionals,& it might just stop someone else having an experience as bad as your one

[Lesley]

Claire I think the fact that you were given the paperwork to complain so quickly indicates that other staff know there is a problem with that particular dr and WANT you to complain formally (?)

.

 

That's what I was going to say as well.

 

I have a problem with one female GP at the practice I go to - I didn't complain but now wish I had. The receptionists now don't bat an eyelid when I ask for an appointment with "any doctor except Dr.XXX" - they must know she has a poor reputation.

 

Your problems are on a different scale to mine and you shouldn't have to put up with such poor treatmant.

[emu]

Sounds like the hospital where you had the laparoscopy procedure done are the ones to blame as they have left an 'open' wound which has caused repeat infections in the first place.

Secondly the registrar appears to be 'ignorant' of the need of good bedside manners and has not treated you sympathetically at all.

[Cate in NZ]

I'd suggest complain as well, even though I'm so late on this thread that it appears that that's what you are going to do .

I am a nurse, no longer, thankfully, in hospital, I'm much, much happier in a community setting. But my guess is that there isn't a nurse on the planet who hasn't encountered an arrogant doctor, who believes that basic rules such as confidentiality, consideration, explanation and courtesy don't apply to him/her. Thank goodness that most of these dinosaurs are a thing of the past, but a few still hang around. My guess is that the staff nurses knew jolly well how he treats his clients, but often, unfortunately, their word carries no sway, and are probably hoping long and hard that you pursue your complaint.

 

No one should have to be treated the way that you were, the doctor sounds like a complete pig and I'd definitely register my complaint.

[craftyhunnypie]

TAKE IT FURTHER!!! At the end of the day being a doctor is just a job..but it does go to their heads....power and all that! (apologies if anyones a doctor here). There is no excuse to be rude to people or arrogant...they are only doctors for the money, not because they are good - just remember that. It's rare these days that you get a good doctor. I don't trust them & I don't trust medicine either!

You must take it further - he sounds a real sort of makeshift doctor, who simply does not give a damn. Don't let him get away with it!

 

Emma.x

[Tiggy]

Complain +++ how dare he treat you like that, I'm sure you will not be the only patient who feels this way about him. You can go back to your GP & ask him to intervene on your behalf

[susiepoos]

TAKE IT FURTHER!!! At the end of the day being a doctor is just a job..but it does go to their heads....power and all that! (apologies if anyones a doctor here). There is no excuse to be rude to people or arrogant...they are only doctors for the money, not because they are good - just remember that. It's rare these days that you get a good doctor. I don't trust them & I don't trust medicine either!

You must take it further - he sounds a real sort of makeshift doctor, who simply does not give a damn. Don't let him get away with it!

 

Emma.x

 

I know in this day and age the NHS isn't what is was but please don't tar every doctor with the same brush as there are excellent ones out there and I should know as I work for the organisation and I've also been a patient a few times. Believe me no Doctor would stay in the NHS for the money as they can make a damn site more working privately and at the end of the day it is only Consultants who earn the big money not the registrars and definitely not the SHO's or HO's!!!!!!

 

You must complain - his attitude is disgraceful and unaccepatable but then so is the nurses for not staying with a female patient whilst being examined - short staffed or not and I fully understand the implications of short staffing - a female patient should never be exposed to that risk and embarrassment. Making formal complaints is not as bad as it sounds - all it means is that you back your complaint with a written statement - no one halls you in and interogates you!!!!! I would write your complaint and send it to the Chief Excecutive, the Chairman, Director of Nursing services and the Nurse Manager of the outpatients department. If you feel you can speak with someone, make an appointment with the Nurse Manager and take a friend or family member along with you. Make a list of your main concerns so that you don't forget anything and make it clear that you want the Doctor dealt with.

 

I recently had to deal with and investigate a very similar case. Whilst the investigation was ongoing the Doctor was suspended and he is now facing disciplinary action from the Trust and the medical council.

 

Remember you were wronged - your confidentiality was severely compromised and you were put in a situation that should never have been allowed to happen. As far as the surgery is concerned you have the right to say you don't want him to do the surgery.

 

If I can help any other way just ask.

[Tiggy]

I agree Susiepoos, I work in the NHS too & am married to a GP, during my 27 years as a nurse I can say that the majority of Docs are great, caring professions with a brilliant sence of humour, I showed this thread to my OH & he was furiuos that a Dr could behave in such a way