"Poor Care"

Anything else?

My mother is under the care of General Surgery at this hospital. I wrote to the appropriate Clinical Director about her care. He's had plenty of time to reply but hasn't even acknowledged my letter. When you go to outpatients at this hospital the receptionist is extremely rude. She spends time between patients shuffling paper before she condescends to allow the next person to book in. On our most recent visit (02/08/13) the consultant asked us why we'd come. I was momentarily tempted to be rude and tell him because an appointment letter had be sent; however, I retained my good manners. It was my understanding, which appears to be erroneous, that the purpose of medical notes were to provide any doctor with a summary of your medical history and provide a record of what previous doctors had written. My mother has had a procedure that has found pre-cancerous cells. We are told how wonderful the NHS is at dealing with cancer these days. I don't believe them. Our concerns are brushed aside. I'd accept there was nothing to worry about with an explanation but the consultant just arrogantly ignores our concerns. My mother is not going to be seen again until 31/01/14. I fervently hope nothing happens in regards to her health in the meantime. The complaints department for this Trust are abysmally useless. If anything does happen to my mother I have every intention of complaining to the Trust, commencing litigation and complaining to the GMC. We just don't know where to turn for help. In summary General Surgery provided by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust at Rochdale Infirmary gets a big thumbs down from me. If you're referred there I recommend you ask to be sent somewhere else.