Changing Consultants

[Suziejasp]

Hi ladies.

Just wondering if anyone has changed consultants within the same hospital / specialist centre?

My mum is currently being treated at the Christie in Manchester by a certain Dr, however we would really like her to be seen by the Professor as we have heard such wonderful things about him, and I feel like she needs a more personal approach. (Someone who will explain things more thoroughly etc)

We don’t want to rock the boat with her current consultant so not sure what the best approach is.

Thanks in advance xx

[Manchesterlady]

Hi , I changed consultant, when I was first diagnosed,I’m with the Prof .just didn’t hit it off with the lady oncologist.

Just ask if you can change as you want another opinion.

They don’t mind , the Prof always insists that they are all a team.

[Suziejasp in reply to Manchesterlady]

Thank you for your reply! How did you go about changing, who did you ask?

Thank you.

[Manchesterlady in reply to Suziejasp]

Hi , I just asked my nurse if I could get a second opinion from the Prof.Just insist .i think I went privately to see him , and it was worth every penny.

Good luck

[Bananasmoothie]

Hi,

I changed Consultants to a different one in the same department. I just didn't gel at all with the one I was initially allocated to. I asked my CNS if I could be transferred to a different Consultant in the same team and was told this had been arranged. Unfortunately I then got an appointment with the same Consultant so sent him an email to thank him for his input to date but ask if I could be seen in future by an alternative member of the team. I now see someone else and we have a much better relationship.

In retrospect I wish I had asked to be transferred sooner however I didn't know whether I'd be out of the frying pan & into the fire! I also didn't want to be seen as a difficult patient, however I think most Consultants do realise that you can't get on with everyone.

There are so many guidelines for oncologists and surgeons that, with some exceptions, I think most of the time they'll make very similar recommendations. If you're unhappy with how you get on with your Consultant then asking to change should definitely be a consideration. If you're unhappy with their advice then asking for a second opinion might be something to consider. My experience from working in the NHS is that Professors definitely aren't necessarily 'better' than non-professors.

Hope this helps!

[Suziejasp]

Thank you so much, that’s really helpful x