"Exceptional care in the Rheumatology Clinic"

After a year of experiencing various symptoms with treatments proving ineffective my GP took a blood test for specific antibodies to detect an autoimmune disorder. This resulted in me being referred to Dr McLaren.

At my first appointment with Dr McLaren he carried out a thorough investigation. He used a holistic approach in his examination of me whereby no stone was left unturned.

At my second appointment, although I didn't want to be told I have this condition, it was also a relief to finally be told. I felt so relieved to know I hadn't been imagining it all and that I could now start to move forward and be helped. I also felt very reassured that I was seeing a professional who looked at the whole person and who had methodically worked out how all my symptoms fitted together to establish the cause of my illness. I am in awe at Dr McLaren's skills and feel so grateful to him because I can finally move forward and try treatments that may help my symptoms.

Although I hadn't mentioned my anxieties about managing my everyday living skills Dr McLaren had considered this and referred me to allied health professionals. I feel he took the time needed to explain my condition to me and the treatment plan and I never at any point felt rushed.

A further indication of Dr McLaren's dedication towards patients in his care was highlighted when I left my appointment. The nurse taking my bloods told me it was time for his afternoon clinic. It occurred to me that Dr McLaren had given so much of his time and care to his morning patients it had resulted in him working through his lunch break to do this.

In conclusion the care I experienced from Dr McLaren is that my health needs were considered on a physical, psychological, social and spiritual level. I feel so grateful to him for getting me started on the road to a more stable well-being and I feel very safe being in his care. I feel so fortunate to be seeing a highly skilled professional who understands this rare condition.