Charing Cross Hospital, London

[imaginaryfriend]

I have an appointment coming up there in the neurology dept. Anyone been to this hospital or know anything about its reputation?

Yes, neurology department is v. good, they are a tertiary centre ie people from other hospitals are referred there, so they know their stuff. However, there's a bearded Greek senior lecturer (less than a consultant) who was quite nasty to me. Can't remember his name but if you get someone who looks Greek and has a Greek name, that'll be him. Are you taking someone else with you? Then just in case he gets shirty, may be worth briefing your companion to step in and tell him off.

Hospital is 1970s so not the most salubrious surroundings, although it has been refurbished. Neurology dept is on the first floor so take the escalators since the lifts don't stop at the first floor. Bizarrely. You wait in a corridor and it can take ages so arm yourself with a good book and look out for wheelchairs running over your toes! Nearest tubes are Hammersmith and Baron's Court.

Oh, thanks so much edam! I'll look out for the shady Greek then. Have you experienced this hospital / dept as a patient?

I've experienced the hospital as a patient, but not the department...I used to see a gastroenterologist there for liver disease. I had wonderful treatment, but yes lots of waiting around (for blood tests etc) and not particularly modern or pretty facilities. Take the good book edam suggests - good luck!

Thanks elibean. I don't care to be honest about the surroundings so long as the staff are good. I live close to a hospital with all mod cons and very clean and new looking but with an absolutely hopeless medical team.

Yes, me too - liked Charing X for that reason!

That's a big relief elibean. Thanks again. I'm a bit worried about it all so your words are very reassuring.

hi imaginary, yes, I have, of the neurology dept.

Oh, and the neurologists there are v. v. good clinically. You'll get good care.

Oh good. It feels like a long wait until my appointment although it's only actually about 3 weeks. I'm hoping to get answers fairly quickly but my GP suggested that the first appointment will just be a straightforward neurological assessment. Is that roughly what happened with you edam? (not asking for details of what was wrong just the procedures they go through) If they need to do follow up tests is there a long wait for those? Basically I keep losing the use of my left leg and the hearing in my right ear. It's very distressing and I'm so keen to get to speak to someone expert about it.