Posted by colin wallace on March 20, 2002, at 15:23:03
In reply to ideas please, posted by pathetic_n_useless on March 20, 2002, at 12:45:40
Pathetic and useless?? Yeah, I'm saddened to have to say that that just about sums up the quality of mental health expertise available to patients on the NHS.I faced exactly the same scenario a while back (I posted last week on an absurd encounter I'd had with a psychiatrist who refused to accept that high dose meds were responsible for my suicidal state of mind).If i'd stayed with him, and my original GP, i wouldn't be around right now.No exaggeration.
The way around your difficulty is actually very simple.You immediately open the yellow pages, and look for another docs. surgery near you.
Ring them up, ask whether they are accepting new new patient enrollments.You'll just have to call in at the surgery, fill in a quick form, and get a nurse's health check (takes 10 mins).Chances are that the practice will have more than one GP.
Be cheeky and ask the nurse which one she'd recommend- you have the choice.
You do NOT have to give any reason for changing from from your previous docs.This is YOUR prerogative, and no-one will ask you to justify it.Also, you do NOT have to inform your current GP. You are simply transferred to the other practice, who send for your med. records.
When you get to see your new GP.,once he's delved into your condition etc., ask him for a psychiatric referral.Again, this is your right.
(If you're lucky enough to land a really good, sympathetic GP., you may feel satisfied to just stick with him/her)>but remember, they can't give you an hours undivided attention if you need to talk.Sounds like you do.
If the psych. referal happens to be with your nemesis psychiatrist from before, simply tell your GP. that you'd prefer to see someone else.
Unfortunately, it can seem a little daunting when your severely depressed (it took me a year of very shabby treatment before I got round to doing all of the above- but it was well worth it.Remember, you, the patient, pay their wages (if indirectly).Don't be bullied by an insensitive doc.
A good one makes all the difference.Good luck,
Col.
poster:colin wallace
thread:99020
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020318/msgs/99051.html