"Difficult experience "

I have suffered with severe pain for many years. I have been treated at Sheffield Hallam hospital pain management department for several years. I tried to make an appointment with them but was directed to my GP as I had been discharged by SHH. I was direct to have an appointment with the GP physio. It was my first meeting with him. I have no idea of his name as it was mumbled as we walked to his consulting room. I was asked why I was there although I had had a long talk with the receptionist when I made the appointment. I tried to explain my complex pain issues but was directed to only discuss why I had made that appointment. I did explain why I wanted to be referred. The physio then spent several minutes trying to find the latest letter from SHH. I gave him the date and eventually he found the letter. But said it was from a psychiatric department. I had to point out they were working for the pain management department. I was asked to show my bruised leg and buttocks so he knew what I was talking about. Then on the couch he proded me in various area and I had to tell him when it hurt. I was then given instructions that I should have gone to the hospital when I fell. As the doctor could do nothing. I explained I had spoken to my consulting orthopaedic consultant, who had advised that I should go to see my doctor.

Eventually a decision was made to refer me to the local pain service. I was unhappy with that decision as it is provided by a third party which has a truck in a car park and uses locum doctors. Which is why I went to SHH in the first place. I was dismissed like a naughty school boy, so I left expecting a referral to a service I didn't trust.

Later that day I had a phone call to say exactly that. But then he said they would on this occasion refer me back to SHH.

This was not an empathic consultation which I have alway had before. I felt unable to discuss the issues properly nor did I feel that I had given an honest and open expression of my condition and need. I am also being seen by an orthopaedic consultant for a foot issue and the local mental health professionals as I am suffering a severe case of anxiety and depression. Non of which was considered during my consultation.