"A terrible, anxious experience in Rheumatology"

What I liked

Nothing

What could be improved

Patients should be treated with respect by all medical staff. The consultant I saw in rheumatology was cold, detached and did not seem interested in helping me at all. He spoke to me as if I were stupid and whenever I tried to get involved with my care, he was rude, abrupt and disdainful. I used to leave appointments in tears. Patients should be made to feel comfortable, relaxed and happy, receive empathetic and compassionate treatment from consultants; patients should also be involved in their care and should be treated with respect, patience, dignity and like a human being. I never saw any of this. I also have lupus and myositis - complex conditions, which require complex management - consultant seemed out of his depth and uninterested.

Anything else?

I will be making a complaint to PALS now that I am strong enough to.

I travel 120 miles to London, rather than the one mile to this hospital for treatment. That pretty much says it all. I was very ill last year due to the treatment I received at this hospital, but thankfully I am now very well thanks to my new treatment elsewhere, where I am treated with respect and involved in my own care.