I have recently been to the outpatient area of Bedford South Wing in order to have an inspection of moles after 2 recent cancer scares. This process for me has now become fairly routine and largely I have had a good service from the team albeit cancerous mole detection has not always been reliable. Thankfully for me i have had the option of insisting on mole removal and have prevented further health issues. I went to this department on the 26th June 2014 and had an appointment at 2.30pm. I don't wish to make a complaint but rather raise issues as to the service i received and how it made me feel. My issues from my appointment are as follows- 1) I arrived at 2.10 but did not actually get called in until 3.30. No apology or explanation as to the delay. 2) Had to get undressed in a side room before even meeting the doctor. The first time i met her was when i was in my underpants which does little to give you confidence 3) The doctor discussed my previous mole removals and said that there had to be a time when mole removal should stop (I have had 4 moles removed at my insistence with 2 as suspicious/cancer) 4) The doctor told me that i did not actually have cancer previously. This is incorrect and my wife becoming upset when we were previously told of my cancer is evidence to rebut this comment. I have also been given cancer leaflets when told of a melanoma. This was insensitive and also condescending. I tried to say that it was 'in situ' which is still cancer but she was not agreeable. 5) I felt that the doctor had read my notes prior to the appointment and somehow had me down as difficult. I am nothing like this and have only previously mentioned that moles given the ok previously have turned out to be suspicious or cancer. I have always been polite here but she seemed to be quite on the offence in her approach to me. There is no need to do this and as previously said i have had good service by staff there who have been supportive and reassuring. 6) I feel that a patient who is polite and alone during these appointments is easily brushed aside by this doctor. She needs to listen more and be more receptive to comments and less domineering. After all it is me who has spotted all of the suspect moles so far. 7) I have previously been left with a gaping scar from this department but when sent to 'plastics' they have performed an excellent procedure and what has been left is far neater scar. I did ask for the procedure to be carried out by plastics again but this was declined. My friends and family test form will be returned and i am happy to tell this doctor what i have written here now that i have had a chance to reflect on my experience. I know that resources are stretched and i accept that reason but i still think that basic courtesy and being able to talk with patients should be at the
"Mole inspection"
About: Bedford Hospital South Wing Bedford Hospital South Wing Bedford MK42 9DJ
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