"Saw a consultant once, and then never again"

Having seen a Consultant at an outpatient appointment and then to be told surgery is required, I found it very disconcerting that I never saw the consultant again.

Even on the day of admission I was seen by the consultants clinical fellow prior to surgery, who incidentally seemed to find it taxing to go through my notes and discuss my concerns. The consultant was in theatre, I know this because I could hear his voice as I was being prepped in the Anaesthetic Room, not once did the consultant make themselves known.

Following surgery I was sent back to the ward and discharged the following morning without being given any feedback about what happened during my procedure. I was not seen again prior to discharge by anyone from the consultants team. Even the nurses on the admission ward stated that the consultant never visits the ward.

Surely, for optimal patient confidence, the consultant should meet with patients on the day to consent them and discuss any worries they may have. Afterall, they are the person who is going to be doing the surgery.