"good surgeon but not so good people skills"

Was referred for hand problems but sent to plastic surgery department not the orthopaedic department. I saw the consultant who, whilst giving full and clear explanation of what was wrong and what they could do, was not the easiest of people to talk to. The doctor went through what could and could not be done for me and what they were aiming for and on that basis I am happy to have them carry out the op. It just would have been nice if I hadn't felt like I was in front of the headmaster again! The appointment went well with the nurse there in case they needed to do anything and the physiotherapist was there as well, who was lovely, and they went through hand exercises to be done. The only unsettling part is that the op is not done at Southend but at The hospital in Chelmsford. I just hope their nurses look after nervous patients as well as Southend nurses do as they certainly helped to ease my fears.