Help!

About to write an email to my doctors to complain about the way I have been treated and symptoms dismissed. Any advice? Anyone ever done this before? Thanks

[thyr01d]

I have done it, it took me ages to get the tone of my letter right, to remove all my anger and leave only the valid complaint. Someone on here suggested pointing out that we can hold a GP responsible for costs of treating illnesses that are a consequence of the GP failing to treat us properly. Not keen on threats as it doesn't bode well for future relationship with GP but perhaps you could word it pleasantly, such as: I'm worried about future costs ... so it's not a threat but might be recognised as potential for responsibility. Hope that's some help.

[Hidden in reply to thyr01d]

Nice one. Thanks. Opted for a nicely worded email so I’ll give the practice manager 7 days to call me

[serenfach]

Think like a lawyer - keep it absolutely factual and do not bring your feelings into it. I know this sounds the opposite of what you want to put across, but, believe me, they will dismiss "feelings" straight away. If you stick to medical facts, they are far more likely to take the complaint seriously. Oh, and call it a "concern", not a complaint. I know it sounds trivial, but it is they way they talk, and the more you can mirror their own words the better.

When I have to write letters like this (and others ask me all the time) I always pretend I am Mrs Thatcher at the height of her powers - she could crush with a single phrase!

I have used "I am person, not a symptom" in the past, which seemed to get through.

Good luck and I hope you get the results you hope for.