I attended a gynaecology appointment earlier this month (June 2023) for an ongoing issue I have been experiencing for a couple of years. While the consultant I saw was friendly and knowledgeable, she was multi-tasking (took two phone calls during my consultation time). I also felt that the consultation was a bit rushed, and given that I am self-funding my treatment because of NHS delays I expected at least not to feel rushed and like I was receiving good quality treatment. That said, I was happy that I received some treatment there and then, even if I only had a split second to think about it and it went well with minimal discomfort so I was grateful for that. I wasnt too happy, however, when I received a quotation which was much higher than I had initially been quoted for a follow up procedure and one of the managers who I talked to was not sympathetic and even told me not to shout and that she would put the phone down when I was merely frustrated and did not raise my to her once voice once (please check the recording). I do feel like communication can be improved. I dont expect to be talked to like that, especially when I am paying through the nose for private treatment. If the quotation was more accurate in the first place, it would have avoided a difficult conversation. All in all, there is some room for improvement and I hope you see this feedback as constructive.

05.06.23. Pre op blood App. I said to the nurse that my left arm vein was best one to take blood.I said it would be easy and painless for me. I said my right arm vein looks good and big but the skin over it was thick and in past it has caused practitioners to dig in and poke needle around which has always been extremely painful and had to use the left side - which was efficient and painless. She said that I’d had bloods from the left the last app. I emphasised that it was better and the blood would just pump out and I wouldn’t even feel anything. She said let’s see and tapped and put a strap on the right arm. The vein obviously was prominent. But I knew it wouldn’t work. I said it looks good but it has thick skin over it. She said are you ok for me to try? I was hesitant and reluctant by my silence. As the strap was already on and I was getting stressed I didn’t want to appear as awkward. So I said OK. It was extremely painful. I kept still and was panicking because I was looking away I didn’t know if the needle was in so I stayed still. It still hurt, and I said ouch that really hurts that is so painful - she said sorry. I just sat there and waited for it to be over as I couldn’t see if it was nearly finished. I had tears, because of the pain and the lack of autonomy over my decision not to have this vein on the right punctured. When it was over I was upset and tearful. She said sympathetically - what’s the matter, I was quiet and said that I was just stressed. She was pleasant and opened the door to lead me out. I limped out with my head down feeling a bit embarrassed for being emotional: not in control and not listened to. I got into my car and sat and cried while my arm began to get more intensely painful from my injected site to my wrist. I realised I’d sit for a few minutes before setting off. I felt stressed and panicky about driving and nearly felt I was going to have a panic attack but slowly breathed through it. The rest of my day was full of regret on my part for not being forcefully assertive. Next time I will be. I later relayed this experience to my daughter who is a district nurse. She said that is unprofessional and we always ask which arm the patient wants blood taken from - they know their body best. And it helps us to help them. So this prompted my review.