A good doctor should be a trusted figure in your life who can see you through good health for many years. If you’re not happy with your doctor though it can be stressful and worrying and even stop you seeking the treatment you may need.
If you aren’t happy with the treatment a doctor is prescribing for you, the best way to tackle this is just to tell them openly. They may be recommending it because they have had success with this method in the past, but it is perfectly fine to speak up if for some reason it is not appropriate for you. All doctors are trained to communicate with patients and listen to their concerns but they cannot help if you aren’t clear about your worries.
The issue may be more of a practical one however, such as being unable to make an appointment at a time that suits you. If this is the case don’t forget it is easy to change practice and you will usually be accepted by any surgery that you choose in your area. You can find a list of all of your local practices and any specialist services they provide, such as family planning or late opening hours, on the NHS website.
However, you should also be able to connect with your doctor on a personal level, and feel comfortable with them. If you don’t get along with your doctor, remember that you can see any doctor at the practice and it is quite usual for people to change- simply ask at reception to switch to a different GP. If you have serious concerns, however, make sure to raise them with the practice manager, and if they are not resolved you can complain to your local Primary Care Trust.
Whatever the reason you are unhappy, just remember it’s absolutely fine to speak up. GPs see hundreds of patients every month and they are will have lots of experience in responding to patient concerns, so never be embarrassed to say how you are feeling.
Finding out more about seeking compensation with a medical negligence claim.
