"Phobia & Professionalism"

Anything else?

My wife had a consultation with an Orthodontist this morning regarding future minor surgery. To my disgust the Orthodontist questioned my wife's phobia of dental treatment, undermined her and stated that "she never had a phobia" he further stated that "People like her make his Profession hard!" His lack of tact and empathy reduced my wife to tears to the point that she felt she was treated like a child and was embarrassed. My wife was not having treatment today, just a consultation but was very worked up never the less, and for someone to behave in this manor and actually worsen the situation is unacceptable!

I did try to call the Orthodontist but his line to clinic B within the hospital rang out when transferred through (I waited for over 5 minutes) I then rang back the switchboard but was advised they had done all they could to assist me and I was then put on hold swiftly for the adviser to "Answer a more important call" Although I didn't appreciate this lack of customer service she was friendly enough and I have no quarrel with the switchboard, this did however add to what can only be described as an unacceptable experience!

The Orthodontist in question refers to his Profession. I would suggest that in future he demonstrates some empathy and customer care as without clients like my wife he would cease to have a Profession. Further more, having a Profession suggests Professionalism. Evidently this has not been shown today. Rather than dwelling on the meaning of Phobia and reducing your clients to tears maybe this Orthodontist should look up the word Professionalism and apply it to his Profession.

I am not a bit happy with this experience today which is a shame because my family and I at some point or other have relied on Halton Hospital and until today I have never had a bad word to say about the staff or the treatment provided.

I do intend to write to Halton Hospital and call through the week when normal working hours are in practice to get an explanation to this consultation and to hopefully make sure this message is taken on board as no one should have to encounter this experience.