Refusing to see the consultant

[Arthuritis]

Possibly posting in the wrong section but would like some advice.

I regularly attend an OPD at a big teaching hospital. One consultant and then 3 or 4 registrars. On arrival, patient notes go into a trolley and next available dr calls in the next patient.

Have seen maybe 10 different registrars over the 18 months or so and all have been fantastic. I am very happy with the care that I have received.

However, I have seen the consultant now on 2 occassions and I just don't like him. The first time, as I walked into the room his mobile phone rang and he spent 10 minutes discussing another patient with the caller. At the end of the call he then tries to bring my consultation to a close, despite having only said hello to me. I basically had to rush through all of my questions in the couple of minutes that he deigned to give me before opening the door and leading me out. Rather than deal with the side effects that I was having he simply discontinued a medication, that was promptly re started 3 months later by another dr.

Saw him again at last clinic where he was slightly better except that now I have received a clinic letter from him that is completely wrong. Bearing in mind that this letter is to my GP - he has got the dosage of a drug completely wrong, he identified the wrong joints as being affected and the final sentence says that he will send the results of a procedure that apparently I had done that day as soon as he gets them (I have never had that procedure done. Ever)

I contacted PALS and they transferred me to his secretary who emailed him but we are still awaiting his reply. This was 4 weeks ago. I have spoken again to his sec and she is chasing but can't issue a new letter without his permission.

My question is can I refuse to see him again? I have no faith in him but I am very happy to see any of the other drs in the clinic.

How do I refuse? My notes will be with all of the others so it could be that I have too say no to him if he calls me in again. Is there a better way to do this?

[User467]

I'm not sure you can refuse to see him but stay under his care, which you would be if you attended his clinic. Even if you saw his juniors he would still be your doctor. Perhaps better to request a change of consultant?

[GlitterBurps]

I would speak to PALS and explain the situation and ask to be under the care of another consultant. I say that as a hospital professional.

[florenceheadache]

Are there other specialist available at the out patients department? Refusing and seeing someone else might not be possible. Just because it’s a big teaching centre doesn’t mean anyone else is on duty for that department.

[meandthem]

I would also be very concerned that as he has got your drug dosage, specific joints and recollection of a procedure (that you didn't have) all wrong, that he may be mixing you up with another patient. This could then be adversely affecting two patients. It happens, especially if names are similar, though of course it shouldn't - ever. Four weeks and no response is unacceptable and possibly indicative of the fact he is not on top of his game. Please make an official complaint via your hospitals official complaints procedure - PALS isn't working. It's not about being vindictive, just highlighting areas of concern re patient safety. I also say this as an HCP, knowing that there are huge pressures on NHS staff and the reality is people do buckle under this sometimes.

[GlitterBurps]

Sorry OP I missed the bit that you had already tried PALS. Can your GP ring the secretary to chase it?

[missyB1]

I would get your care transferred to another Consultant. Your GP or PALS should be able to make that happen. We are currently considering doing this for my dh as we are not happy with his Consultant.