Please or to access all these features

SN children

Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

I just made a complaint at GPs- does it sound ok, or a bit b*tchy?

10 replies

helewele · 10/03/2008 16:55

I have just complained at my GPs surgery for their treatment of me and my DD, now that we have got the letter through from the Paed at child assessment clinic. I was just wondering if you thought it was a bit OTT? Not ever complained before (about anything )

Letter:
I wish to bring to your attention some concerns I have had over the past ten months regarding the treatment of my daughter Olivia and myself when we have been at the surgery.

I have recently received a letter from Dr C at the Child Assessment Clinic in the Children?s Centre. In it she states that ?Olivia obviously presents with significant difficulties in her development? and ?Olivia?s difficulties may well reflect significant learning difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder.?

Upon reading this, I was very upset as I feel my concerns over Olivia?s development have been repeatedly dismissed or I was not taken seriously by any of the GPs Olivia has seen, especially over the last few months. I have consistently been made to feel that I was blowing things out of proportion or being an over-anxious mother when relating my concerns about her autistic type behaviours, and severe regression in her speech and behaviour.
I understand that the GP s in the surgery are very busy and must try to keep up to date with lots of different medical problems, but being told that it was much to early to investigate any problems or that Olivia?s development was fine during consultations which last at most 5 minutes has made me very angry.

I do not wish to name any particular GP s as I feel that it is not just one doctor, but all the GP s we have seen who have behaved in this way. I would like to suggest that the doctors invite a specialist in the field of child development or Autistic Spectrum Disorders to address them in this area, so they can develop their understanding of these problems.

Sincerely,
Helewele

What do you think? Sorry it's so long

OP posts:
crazyjimbob · 10/03/2008 21:16

I do not think it is bitchy I think you are doing right thing in highlighting this to the clinic (and hopefully they will follow your suggestion to get someone in to develop better understanding)

I imagine there are many others out there who have experienced similar reactions

Take care

deeeja · 10/03/2008 21:30

I do not think your letter sounds bitchy at all. I have been wondering what to do about my gp, who when I told him about my 5 year old's problems, told me they were probably caused by ...'so many children have emotional and behavioural problems,(a quick sniffy flick of his head) and he is probably just reacting to them'......
He thinks my ds's problems are caused by bad parenting, and that my 3 year old's problems are just exaggerated, and autism is mostly an excuse, some sort of psychological problem.
I might write a letter similar to yours, (copy-cate smilie). I am shocked so many GP's know so little about asd, it is more common than ds, surely lots of their patients are affected.

edam · 10/03/2008 21:32

Sounds eminently reasonable and very polite, Helewele. Hope it makes them think.

helewele · 11/03/2008 08:55

Thanks for the replies

Like I said, I have never made a complaint before, so I wasn't really sure how to go about it. Believe me, I really wanted to swear a lot at them, but I was hoping this would make a better point iyswim? I just wasn't certain that the tone was correct, and although I was feeling very when I wrote it, I was hoping it wasn't coming across as b*tchy

And Deeeja, if you think it will help your ds, copy away!

Many thanks and care everyone,

Helewele

OP posts:
helewele · 11/03/2008 08:57

that was supposed to be take care! stupid computer froze!!

OP posts:
ancientmiddleagedmum · 11/03/2008 12:11

I think it is a great letter, and it's made me think about my GPs, who always have a thought bubble over their head when I come in saying "here's that neurotic mother with the autistic kid, poor woman, let's humour her". I also loved the woman GP who, upon being told by me that my DS was non-verbal so wouldn't understand her questions, decided to put her best foot forward and TALK TO HIM VERY LOUDLY AND IN MILITARY TONES : "NOW COME ON YOUNG MAN, THIS WILL TAKE A LOT LONGER IF YOU DON'T KEEP STILL". Give me strength, they know nothing of autism and should do, so your letter will help!

AnneMayesR · 12/03/2008 13:18

I think it is a fantastic letter.

Taliesintraction · 12/03/2008 14:32

Lovely letter, very polite, very reasonable and a shot across their bows.

Do not expect a Xmas card this year though.....

helewele · 13/03/2008 14:02

Thanks for all your replies

Just thought I should give a little update - nothing has happened yet Our practice complaints procedure says that the complaint should be acknowledged within 2 working days of being received, and I left it in on Monday. Starting to feel like I'm being ignored!

Maybe it wasn't worded strongly enough!!

OP posts:
Taliesintraction · 13/03/2008 14:30

Leave it till monday then complain about them not replying to your complaint!!!

LOL

New posts on this thread. Refresh page