"Appalled at the way my husband was spoken to"

My husband recently attended an appointment at DGRI haemotology department for his yearly review - he is diagnosed with genetic haemochromtosis.

As a nurse myself,  I am absolutely appalled at the way he was spoken to. He was made to feel that his symptoms are phychological and all in his head. My husband has no phycological issues nor does he frequent the GP or complain.

The consultant in question stated that if they covered his eyes and put a needle in his arm (he receives venesections) but did not take blood he would feel better as it is in his head.

In my view, it’s a disgrace to the profession, and unfortunately not the first time we have had a less than satisfactory appointment. They previously stated that his father did not pass away of the condition and they would be confused.

There are numerous credible evidence-based studies that back up the symptoms of hemochromatosis and the disease itself. I’m saddened that this is the way the consultant treats their service-users, I dread to think what their day-to-day bedside manner is, it’s certainly not patient-centerd or holistic, in my experience.

Most of all, the consultant's behaviour is a reflection of NHS Dumfries and Galloway. Is this really what you want service-users to take away from their experiences? My husband knows his own body, but not according to the consultant, they know it better. I feel they are not following best practice guidelines ,

86.5% of service users  describe  arthritis or joint pain so clearly can’t be in everyone’s head. I feel a second opinion is warranted from someone who at least shows an I treat in their service-users and takes their duty of care seriously.