Extremely Rude GP - How to complain?

[aDvicePls]

Okay, this is what happened -

Apologies if it's a bit long!

 

I phoned my GP Surgery to see about getting a prescription renewed and the Nurse said she would 'squash me in' to see a certain GP - ''....but he won't be pleased at having an extra one....'' (her words).

 

So, the minute I walked through his door, I sensed he wasn't in a good mood (at having an extra patient maybe?)

Boy was I right!

 

I quickly spoke about my repeat prescription review - I didn't want to take up too much of his time and then when he said '' is there anything else...''

I mentioned that I might come to see him 'another time' to discuss HRT! as I believed the menopause might be making my existing problem worse.

 

As soon as I mentioned the word 'HRT' it was like a Red Rag to a bull. It was at this point that his whole demeanor changed. He started reeling off all the Evils of HRT and how he has seen people DIE From It.

He ranted on for a fair bit, as if he was trying to make me feel guilty for even talking about it.

 

At this point, I 'politely' stated that I had done some research and was aware of the risks -

 

Well, at this point he kept interrupting and became completely rude and said to me:

'There is no point in discussing this matter with you - I can see you have a Closed Mind''.

I then said - ''Excuse me??? (did he actually just say what I think he said to me?) - What's wrong with a patient having an opinion?'' to which he then repeated :

''I see you have a closed mind!''...... Which is an insulting thing to say to anybody, let alone a patient! His whole attitude was very strange.

 

I then just happened to mention that:- ''.....its a shame that so many women have to suffer something when there's help available'' not expecting him to prescribe anything for me - I was just stating calmly and politely MY thoughts..... '

(The previous GP at this practice used to encourage discussion/debate...)

 

My Mistake!

 

He seemed to take what I'd said personally.!!!...

He THEN accused me of being SEXIST:shock:!

His words :- ''I'm offended that you think that I don't understand women's problems - and I'm making a note of it!''

 

I sat there in a complete daze for a few seconds, (thinking -''what the heck is going on here?).....

Then I mumbled (think I was in shock) - ''well I can't think what I've said, but I'm sorry ........''

Him: ''Yes, I'm making a note of it.....''

 

At this point, I decided to leave.

I 'shakily' stood up and, as I was walking towards the door - He said to me in a loud voice -

 

''I tell you what - Why don't I just write out a prescription for HRT - Would you like that? Would that make you happy?' Would it?''

''I can do that you know - Do you want me to?'' This was said in a really aggressive and sarcastic tone!

 

Well, at this point I'd had enough and I just stumbled (fled?) out the door.

 

I got to my car and I was so angry and upset that I sat there for about 10 minutes, trying hard not to cry and trying to work out how a visit for a mere prescription review had turned out so badly!

 

Once I'd calmed down, I thought - this isn't right, I'm going to make a complaint - so I went back and asked the receptionist how I go about making a complaint.

She said to write a letter to the Practice.

 

Okay, here is my dilemma.....

 

I have just discovered that this GP is ALSO the Practice Manager!

So, How is a patient supposed to complain about a GP if he's also the practice Manager?

 

I'm also upset that he may have put a black mark/comments against my patient notes. Which if he has, I feel is grossly unfair.

 

I feel as if I have now been labelled a 'problem patient'. When anybody who knows me, knows that I'm a very polite, caring, quiet person!

 

I'm mainly concerned with getting rid of any derogatory comments in my notes.

 

As for making a formal complaint about him - from his whole attitude towards me, I get the impression he could get quite nasty and it could make things worse...and he could write even more rubbish!

 

So I might :-

 

a) Either stick with the surgery and just try and avoid him at all costs - there are other (hopefully more sane) gp's there, or

b) Change to another surgery (but hopefully without horrible comments in my notes).

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Edited August 10, 2013 by aDvicePls

[renegadeimp]

He isnt allowed to put any derogatory comments on your notes. The notes must be factual and about your health. Not whatever ramblings he has going through his head at the time. I would first put a formal complaint to the practice manager, and depending on the outcome of that, the local health board.

 

I know he may be the practice manager, but you need to follow procedure. Also, a GP should NOT be the practice manager. It is a conflict of interests.

[aDvicePls]

renegadeimp, I just double-checked - He is definitely the Practice Manager! ( I agree - Its a conflict of interests!)

 

I wonder what he meant when he said 'I'm making a note of it''

[renegadeimp]

Dont worry about it. If he breaks the law or doesnt follow set procedure, he could find himself in serious trouble. Since you know he;s the practice manager, contact the local health board. From your info, it may be worthwhile transferring to a new doctors too. If he puts any bad notes against your record, you have the right to see them and also question them.

[toofiegap]

seems that some of these GP's think they are God. My old GP I had to report to the GMC for her very rude behaviour, (was told because I smoked I stunk and was berated and made to feel filthy

[aDvicePls]

I looked up the Reviews for the surgery I attend, and whereever somebody has complained about the surgery, this GP/Practice Manager has responded/replied by criticizing the previous Doctors that used to be there before he arrived! (a very unprofessional thing to do. imo).

[toofiegap]

what frustrates me is they are allowed to get away with it.

[aDvicePls]

The sad thing is, I have heard of other women that have been treated VERY badly for so much as inquiring about HRT!

This GP kept spouting about Guidelines. ''Guidelines tell us to say this'' and ''Guidelines tell us that we mustn't prescribe it because it will do that''.....................

 

So, in other words - Government/Health Guidelines are advising GP'S to avoid prescribing HRT at all costs!! and, like sheep - some of these GP'S are blindly following it. They can't seem to think for themselves.

 

Anyway, Government Guidelines aren't always right.

 

These are the same Guidelines that tell us to:

 

Eat 5 fruit and veg a day (since when? - why not 4 or 6 or 7)

or Drink 8 glasses of water a day (right, says who)

None of it based on scientific proof. Marketing - yes.

 

Give me a GP that works 'within guidelines' but, at the same time is capable of using his (or her - don't want to be sexist here:|) own brain and judgement......and that is what I call a good GP.

 

Unfortunately, this type of GP is a dying breed - they have all been pushed out.

Edited August 10, 2013 by aDvicePls

[renegadeimp]

what frustrates me is they are allowed to get away with it.

 

They arent allowed. Complain loudly enough and to the right people and that doctor will soon stop.

[aDvicePls]

They arent allowed. Complain loudly enough and to the right people and that doctor will soon stop.

I think most of us worry too much about 'making a fuss'. (I know I do).

 

This is how they manage to get away with appalling behavior.

 

I've just been reading some consumers (patients) experience with Specialists -

 

Its disgusting. You wait months to see a specialist, and when you do eventually get to see one, most (not all- I'm sure there are some good ones), but a lot:

can barely spare you 10 minutes of their precious time!

And when they do, they can hardly bring themselves to look at you, and you feel as it you are wasting their time!

And then, to add insult to injury - if their diagnosis is wrong - you are then

SPAT out of the system

and have to go through the whole rigmarole again.

 

Most of them are on really good salaries as well - its disgusting.

These people are being paid good money. They should be giving a good (adequate at the least) service.

This isn't happening 99% of the time so, - There is something wrong with the whole system.

Why isn't it working?

[nolegion]

Well held, adv.

 

Indeed, GPs are NOT entitled to be rude and aggressive like that; I hope you keep your cool so far as possible, on top of this, and pursue a formal complaint.

 

You have given a very clear account here. I would now compile an even fuller written statement recording every word you can remember, and enclose it with your written complaint requiring a full acknowledgment of the facts as stated and an unreserved apology.

 

However, you should, most regrettably, take on board the fact that an arrogant little twit of a GP who has behaved as he, will refuse to be truthful or contrite, and the matter will probably have to be submitted to the Health and Parliamentary Ombudsman ( in 6 to 12 months time) – and that's, at best, a lottery.

 

But if determined and capable people don't stand their ground, unpleasant medics will just go on behaving as they do. A rude doctor is a clinically incompetent doctor.

 

Here' s link to the GMC's latest "Good Medical Practice" rules (contravention of which can get doctor struck off in some circumstances). It's worth a read. You can "tick" a number of paragraphs where the GP has 'crossed the line" in your case.

 

http://www.gmc-uk.org/static/documents/content/GMP_2013.pdf_51447599.pdf

[aDvicePls]

Thankyou nolegion, off to read the link!

[stu007]

As advised put your complaint in writing to the Practice Manager of the GP Practice and ask to be sent a copy of the Complaints Procedure (bear in mind as the complaint is actually about them they should not be involved in the investigation into the complaint as it would be a Conflict of Interests) and wait and see what response you get and lets us know the response you get to advise further.

 

No doctor should be treating any patient in this manner and remember you are allowed to have input into your treatment/care by any GP/NHS so you did nothing wrong at all during your consultation with your GP by asking a simple question but got abuse back.

 

Please keep us updated on this.

[aDvicePls]

This is what bothers me.

I am a fairly shy, quiet person. And I just get the feeling that, if I don't go about it in exactly the right way, somebody like him could make mincemeat of me if he wants to!

I've read his replies (on reviews of his Health Centre), slagging off the previous Doctors that used to work at the practice and I think that making a formal complaint could open a whole can of worms!

(or maybe I'm being a wuss?)

[aDvicePls]

As advised put your complaint in writing to the Practice Manager of the GP Practice and ask to be sent a copy of the Complaints Procedure (bear in mind as the complaint is actually about them they should not be involved in the investigation into the complaint as it would be a Conflict of Interests) and wait and see what response you get and lets us know the response you get to advise further.

 

No doctor should be treating any patient in this manner and remember you are allowed to have input into your treatment/care by any GP/NHS so you did nothing wrong at all during your consultation with your GP by asking a simple question but got abuse back.

 

Please keep us updated on this.

Stu, he IS the Practice Manager.

Don't ask me how a GP can be the Practice Manager as well - but he is!

[aDvicePls]

Thanks everybody for your advice!

I feel a whole lot better already, (even just for sharing).

I felt pretty c..p yesterday, (well you would wouldn't you).

I know, to some people this probably seems really trivial. But it wasn't/isn't to me.

The support I've received so far is amazing.

Thanks!

[renegadeimp]

Complain to your local health board for now. They can advise what to do since he is practice manager. A role he should NOT be holding.

[stu007]

Yes I am aware that the GP is also the Practice Manager (very strange setup and unusual but not unheard of) that is why I pointed out that as the complaint is about them they should have no part in investigating that complaint as it would be a conflict of interest.

[aDvicePls]

Yes I am aware that the GP is also the Practice Manager (very strange setup and unusual but not unheard of) that is why I pointed out that as the complaint is about them they should have no part in investigating that complaint as it would be a conflict of interest.

Hmmm. Will maybe go down this route. thanks!

 

 

(although I am wary that the whole thing will backfire on me - somehow!)

 

I think, unfortunately, we are encouraged from a very early age to 'respect/revere/accept without question' Doctors and other authority figures..............

so, it does makes it difficult, when the time comes - to question their judgement/authority

Edited August 10, 2013 by aDvicePls

[stu007]

I can fully appreciate what you are saying now another avenue to approach this then is does the Practice have a Head GP of the Practice?

 

If so why not make an appointment with them and explain to them what has happened and that you would have made a complaint as per the complaints procedure but as it states to direct complaints via the Practice Manager who is GP xxx xxx I felt unable to as the complaint is about them.

 

Just a different way of approaching this.

[aDvicePls]

I can fully appreciate what you are saying now another avenue to approach this then is does the Practice have a Head GP of the Practice?

 

If so why not make an appointment with them and explain to them what has happened and that you would have made a complaint as per the complaints procedure but as it states to direct complaints via the Practice Manager who is GP xxx xxx I felt unable to as the complaint is about them.

 

Just a different way of approaching this.

 

Ditto. This guy, I think, is the Head GP of the Practice.

He calls the shots!

(I really know how to pick em:oops:)

 

If I were to complain, I think I would have to go outside of this place altogether.

 

(although, I could phone up (to make sure), and ask who is Head of Practice - But, I'm almost sure its this person I saw!

[seanamarts]

If you can, I would sign up with another surgery. It may well be that they ask you to leave the surgery anyway. I was requested to leave a former surgery because I complained about my doctor. Their response was that if I ever happened to see this particular doctor within the surgery it may cause embarrassment for either one of us. I asked what would happen if I refused to leave, they said that they would take me off their books, me leaving would cause less embarrassment on my side.

 

I complained again to PALS who responded that it would be best for all parties if I left.

 

Its awful the way some doctors treat you, I was a patient at that surgery longer than the doctor who I complained about had been.

I complained on the basis that he kept making mistakes with my medication and that he refused to see me on a home visit ( I was too ill to go to the surgery) I ended up in hospital a few hours later.

 

Us mere mortals are defenseless against GP's who think they are Gods. Sometimes its just better to leave the surgery and find another practice when you are not happy with the way your GP acts towards you.

 

By all means complain, just be aware of the consequences that may follow.

[aDvicePls]

If you can, I would sign up with another surgery. It may well be that they ask you to leave the surgery anyway. I was requested to leave a former surgery because I complained about my doctor. Their response was that if I ever happened to see this particular doctor within the surgery it may cause embarrassment for either one of us. I asked what would happen if I refused to leave, they said that they would take me off their books, me leaving would cause less embarrassment on my side.

 

I complained again to PALS who responded that it would be best for all parties if I left.

 

Its awful the way some doctors treat you, I was a patient at that surgery longer than the doctor who I complained about had been.

I complained on the basis that he kept making mistakes with my medication and that he refused to see me on a home visit ( I was too ill to go to the surgery) I ended up in hospital a few hours later.

 

Us mere mortals are defenseless against GP's who think they are Gods. Sometimes its just better to leave the surgery and find another practice when you are not happy with the way your GP acts towards you.

 

By all means complain, just be aware of the consequences that may follow.

I think I may leave. Things would just b too awkward if I stayed.

Although, the way things are going - I would be surprised if this place still exists in a few years time.

Thanks for the advice -

Now its a matter of finding another place.....

[stu007]

Hi this NHS link of finding a GP in your area may be of help (just enter your postcode):

 

http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

[BRIGADIER2JCS]

A complaint should go to the Clinical Director of the Primary Care Trust for the area.