"Initial consultation"

Anything else?

After waiting several weeks for an appointment with a female consultant, I arrived at the hospital at 8:30 for a 9:00 appointment. Staff who weighed and measured me were wonderful and I sat back in the waiting area, to await being called by a consultant with the title Mrs.

An elderly gentleman arrived at 8:50 for his appointment. At 9:05 the elderly gentleman was called by the consultants assistant.

To my horror and dismay, my name was then called by a young male consultant. When I stated that my appointment was with a female consultant, I was told that this was not possible as they were a "Team" and patients were divided accordingly.

Accordingly to what ? Obviously I am just an NHS number and my wishes, emotions etc were not taken into consideration. Could they not have asked me if I would mind seeing a male consultant ? I was emotionally distressed to begin with (a very personal subject to be discussed, followed by a possible examination). I was then told by a different nurse that if I was prepared to wait, maybe a female consultant could see me between other patients.

Why couldn't the male consultant have switched a patient with her ?

By this time I was extremely upset and felt that I couldn't go through with my appointment. Therefore, I left without seeing anyone.

Thankyou to nurse who gave me much needed comfort and understanding and let me cry on her shoulder. I just wish that the consultants themselves had afforded me the same understanding and consideration....