Hospital appointment experience

Nick Lawson

I've had two appointments with a colorectal surgeon, the most recent being yesterday, and would like to hear some views on the experience.

I was referred by a general consultant for a colonoscopy and gastroscopy due to ongoing digestive tract issues and the first appointment was a month ago. I was reluctant to have another colonoscopy as the last one was only in 2014 and was relieved to receive an outpatient appointment where I would have the opportunity to discuss the issue with the surgeon.

At the first appointment the surgeon said a colonoscopy is valid for three years so I didn't need another one and suggested full bloods and a stool test instead and I asked for some extra stool tests rather than the standard FOB.

The instructions on the sample package weren't clear and the phlebotomy nurse had to seek clarification. Some of the tests requested were completely incorrect e.g. stool rather than blood was wrongly specified for certain tests.

I went back yesterday for the follow-up appointment and was the last patient to be seen despite several people arriving after me. On entering the consulting room the surgeon was on the phone and when finished said "what's happening?" without looking at me. He then looked at me and asked what I was there for to which I replied "to get my test results". He then asked "which results" and I said "from the last appointment".

He seemed totally unprepared for the appointment and couldn't find my results.
During the appointment he was by turns pleasant and arrogant telling me that "each patient has a five-minute slot" and "I'm trying to be nice". I didn't take issue with the doctor but I'm generally not happy with the experience.

Would be most grateful for any insight or to hear similar experiences.

Corruptedmorals

Your follow-up appointment sounds like poor form alright. Your notes from the last time should have specified when you were back for review, and what tests would be done in the interim. You don't specify whether it's public or private but for both patients are called in order of their appointment time and not order of arrival. Not all clinics but that's the norm and that's why letters warn you not to arrive too early.

I wouldn't be impressed with the 5 minute thing when he/his team werent prepared. You are always entitled to ask for a second opinion/referral and the clinic/hospital must release your notes once you include the €6 fee. I have always had good experiences as a public and private outpatient, I understand how they work too as I work in a hospital outpatients and have worked in clinics.