I've been attending podiatry in my Health Centre since 2020. I've seen the same podiatrist throughout. I only found out by visiting my health centre that both my day & podiatrist has changed. It's not policy to letter or phone patients of such changes?
I have an underlying health issue, continuity of care is essential for me, not a desire. This was explained in detail to area Team Leader. Because of clinic changes, not only has my day of app changed so has my podiatrist.
I spoke to the team leader of my area for 40 minutes. They couldn't tell me who my new podiatrist is. I found them to be offhand, bordering on rude. They either failed to understand my protected characteristic or didn't care. My response to them saying I'm not going to get what I want was basically I've to suck up the change (my words which they agreed with) left me disgusted.
My health issue is exacerbated by stress. Changing my 15 minute appointment to someone new is a huge stresser. The Team Leader I spoke with failed to get my point. I felt insulted when told I'd build a new relationship with new unknown podiatrist. It was trust, not a relationship that took many weekly visits to achieve.
I don't behave like a petulant child & don't expect to be spoken to like one. The team leader offered to give me details of patient affairs if I wanted to complain. In my view, team leaders should deal effectively with issues, not pass the buck. Podiatry Hub said I could send my complaint to them & they'd pass it on but couldn't/wouldn't say who they'd pass it on to. On phoning the number for complaints answer machine picked up the call.
The team leader left me both frustrated & upset by their apparent lack of interest & empathy. I have never had such an unpleasant interaction with any member of the NHS. I have no answers as to why my care has been changed except clinic changes have recently occurred.
I know when my next app is, however I have no idea who it will be with. The change to my care has a physical impact on my health due to the additional stress. My original issue has now been compounded by the dismissive, passive-aggressive attitude of the Team Leader i spoke with.
"The change to my care has a physical impact on my health"
About: Lanarkshire Community Services / Podiatry Lanarkshire Community Services Podiatry
Posted by capellajh66 (as ),
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Update posted by capellajh66 (a service user) 13 months ago