Initial Ankle Surgery and Referral
Initial Ankle Surgery and Referral: I began my journey with Nuffield Health due to persistent pain following an ankle surgery. After a referral, I was assigned to Mr. James Metcalfe, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, for the removal of the implant.
First Consultation with Mr. Metcalfe: My initial consultation with Mr. Metcalfe was disappointingly brief. He rushed through the appointment, leaving little room for me to ask important questions or discuss my concerns in depth.
Online Assessment and Communication Breakdown: Following this, an online assessment was conducted. I expressed my need for a physical examination to assess my vitals, considering my health and recent diet changes. Despite emailing the secretary multiple times, my request was not adequately addressed.
Pre-Surgery Process and Anesthesia Uncertainty: On the day of the surgery, I encountered a disorganized and hurried process. Crucial information regarding anesthesia types and choices was not provided, which was essential for my informed consent.
Surgery Cancellation and Lack of Support: Surprisingly, Mr. Metcalfe decided to cancel the surgery abruptly, citing my perceived indecision. This decision came as a shock, especially since I had made significant preparations, including taking leave from work and university.
Following my discussions with Shannon, a director at Nuffield Health, it was claimed that an appointment with a new surgeon had been arranged. However, I never received any email or phone call regarding this new appointment. This lack of accurate communication added to the confusion and frustration, exacerbating an already challenging situation.
Health Deterioration and Additional Challenges: Amidst this chaos, my health deteriorated. An incident of food poisoning caused me to miss another appointment. Instead of understanding and support, I was referred back to my General Practitioner, leading to more delays.
Personal Impact and Conclusion: This prolonged process severely impacted my personal life, with cancelled travel plans and academic setbacks. The overall experience with Nuffield Health was deeply disappointing, marked by a lack of empathy, poor communication, and organisational disarray.
