Who had an appointment with Dr Rod Hughes recently

[Morningdew62]

I would like to book an appointment with Dr Rod Hughes in a private hospital. But his time slots are every 15 min! It's the same as NHS. I'm afraid that it's not enough time to discuss all problems I have regarding PMR, possibly GCA and osteoporosis. I think the first appointment should last 30 min, at least. I will pay by myself and I have to ask my husband to take a day off to drive me to this hospital which would be around 3 hour drive. And to be able to talk to the doctor in only 15 min- it might be disappointing. I had the past 4 private Dr appointments all were lasting 40-50 minutes, one even one hour. Maybe 15 min is the new norm for the private appointments. Please share your experience.

[Maisie1958]

youtu.be/kPUybSvp7Fs(Not working as expected?)

Haven’t had an appointment with him but this says usually spends 30minutes on first consultation. All good wishes

[Morningdew62 in reply to Maisie1958]

Thank you. I hope I will sort it out.

[MrsNails]

Did you ring the hospital to book an appointment? Did you say you’d be a ‘New Patient’?

[Morningdew62 in reply to MrsNails]

I was looking for an appointment online. I'm going to call his secretary to be sure if he can give me more time as I'm a new patient.

Black&white

[MrsNails in reply to Morningdew62]

I used to work in Hospitals both Private & NHS - it’s quite complicated to set up Clinic’s; the slots are divided in 15 or 20min slots but New Patients are given maybe 3 or 4 slots - it seems strange (Boy did l moan about it! 🤦🏻) the Secretary’s or Receptionists will have access to do this.

Good Luck 🍀🍀🍀

[suzy1959]

I last saw Dr Hughes at a private clinic in Weybridge in February. This was because I seemed to have come off his NHS list during Covid so needed to get back into the system. He promptly put me back on the NHS list and I now get phone calls every 6 months or so as well as e mails if I have a question.

I can’t remember how long the consultation was but it seemed enough and did include a depo injection. I agree that 15 minutes is not enough, especially for a first time. I would suggest you ring his secretary and discuss further.

[Morningdew62 in reply to suzy1959]

Thank you for your response. It's a good idea to phone his secretary first.

[Bennijax in reply to suzy1959]

How does one contact his secretary? and know his or her name?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Bennijax]

His secretary is Jody Evans and as far as I know the phone number in the link is correct - the email address isn't

gooddoctor.com/doctor.php?i...

Actually I posted the details further down the thread 2 months ago and Sophiestree corrected the email to

[e-mail]

[toniaell]

Morning I had a private appointment with Rod Hughes 3 weeks ago. I was in at least 1/2 hour and he wasn't rushing me to leave at all. It was the best £220 I've spent. He confirmed I had Pmr which the original consultant was querying and also told me my symptoms are actaully mainly now due to the steroids. He says that they should go between 8-10mg. He also suggested i take meds on a night which has been a game changer. Feeling much more human during the day. Im actually returning to work after almost 5 months off next week. I believe his 15min slots are more for phone calls as that is what he suggested i do if I have any queries about anything. I would speak to his secretary Jodie who will clarify. Hope that helps!

[Morningdew62 in reply to toniaell]

Thanks for clarifying it. I was concerned about his time slots. I'm glad to hear that you are much better after visiting Dr Hughes. Stay healthy 🙏

Black and white

[PMRpro Ambassador]

You could try ringing or emailing his secretary Jody

Jody Evans (Secretary)

The Runnymede Hospital Guildford Road Ottershaw

Bmi chertsey, KT16 0RQ

01932 877831

[e-mail] (no longer active)

Amended email: [e-mail]

[Morningdew62 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you very much for providing the details of Dr Hughes's secretary. I phoned Jody this morning but she is off today. I have sent her an email. Hope she responds to me tomorrow.

[Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro]

An update to these details. Judy no longer has that email address. Her email is [e-mail]

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sophiestree]

Hope she has changed the details on the website then! That is where I took it from.

[Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro]

Oh, no idea. I just took your information. So when I emailed to ask where I was going and got no reply I rang and that is when she told me.

I have to reply on my laptop these days as every time I try on my tablet it won't let me. Infuriating

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sophiestree]

Obviously the phone is working! I must remember that at least. I had registered that things had changed recently in his private practice sphere. You knew where you were with his own website!

[Sophiestree in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, phone number is correct. She said something about it not being bmihealth since covid?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sophiestree]

Fits - and what I'd wondered.

[piglette]

I think the on-line system is to make it flexible for you. Probably if you book on-line then the next time will be knocked off too, Dr Hughes will not be seeing you for 15 minutes.

[Morningdew62 in reply to piglette]

I also think that time table isn’t right. Anyway I have contacted dr Hughes secretary. I hope she will help me with my enquiries.

[piglette in reply to Morningdew62]

I find automated systems confusing and never really work that well, much easier to talk to someone.

[Mattie100]

I have , from the Netherlands, a suggestion in general. That is: try to avoid long drives by having a consultation by telephone.

[Morningdew62 in reply to Mattie100]

Yes,, it would be more convenient but I feel more comfortable of seeing doctor face to face. Especially on my first appointment.

[Viv54]

That does seem crazy, my app lasted at least 20 /25 minutes with a NHS DR. I have now gone to see a private consultant . I had to wait just over 2 weeks to get him because he is so busy now.It was well worth the wait ! I was with him for at least 40 minutes . He listened to me and helped me so much, i was getting nowhere with my rheumatologist. It was £250 pounds a one off for me , but worth every penny of my time and his.

[Viveka]

Rod Hughes likes to see person face to face for first appointment. Then it can be by phone. Mine was around half an hour. But I see you're speaking with Jody which is what I would have advised. Phone rather than email is best.

[Candles1970]

Any apts with Prof Hughes is worth every penny - he has been amazing