"ENT"

Anything else?

After suffering for years with ear problems, I was referred to Southport and Formby ENT department. On first visit I was offered a hearing test etc. I was then taken to a room to discuss the test results. I was told that although I had lost hearing, it was nothing serious and probably an allergy. I was given antihistamines (which I had already tried several of) and told to go.

After this did not relieve my problem, I went back and I was given a nasal examination, without any pain relief or explanation / warning, which I later found out it is routine to receive local anaesthetic for the procedure. Again, told probably an allergy, carry on with previous medication.

3rd visit I was finally offered an allergy test, all of which turned out to be negative and advised I would be offered a sinus scan.

However, when I returned to my 4th visit, the person I spoke to had no recording of my allergy tests or hearing test or that I was there for a sinus scan, although it was the same lady I had seen all previous times. I had to tell her what the outcome was and although my allergy test was negative I was told, again, it was probably an allergy. When I asked what it could be I was told it would be hard to tell and that it would probably go away on its own, even though I had been suffering for years. I was then discharged with a "new" antihistamine, and it was the exact same medicine.

Final visit, I arrived and I was told "you're here for your surgery". although I had not been tol anything about a surgery, and I was told to sit in a chair and lean back. I stopped the lady and asked her to explain. She was going to perform nasal turbine reduction surgery, although this needed to be performed under general anaesthetic.

After denying the surgery, I was asked if I could be making a big deal out of nothing and "is it maybe all in your head" which I found to be very condescending. I replied with no and asked to be discharged.

In all this time I did not see one doctor, only what appeared to be nurses and office staff.

I would make a complaint but I feel it would be pointless.

I have since been to specsavers (!) for a hearing test and they have referred me to a ENT specialist elsewhere. I have been advised that I will need an operation on my ears.