Share review of Dr Taryn Youngstein

Dr Taryn Youngstein 2017-10-06 Person 5 5 0

My six monthly Rheumatology appointment was transferred from Charing Cross Hosp., to Hammersmith Hosp., where the Outpatients Dept. had undergone a major redesign and there was total confusion in the designation and location of the various clinics and waiting areas viz: Patients were waiting in access corridors and other facilities not in the vast almost empty waiting zone and as a consequence the Consultants were constantly having to search for their next patient. Despite the chaos Dr Youngstein welcomed me and apologised for the delays, her manner was friendly and reassuring and as it was her first time to view my symptoms we started with my hands which because of the warm weather and my Tai Chi exercises they had lost most of the puffiness associated with the condition. Whereas the my swollen ankles were observed but not commented on . We discussed at length my use of Prednisolone and asked when it commenced, I could not recall but stated at least 10 years ago (actually 15) and I suggested that it would be on file but I was told that the files, to hand, only went back 4 years. It was decided to reduce the dose by 0.5 mg per month. Last year's DEXA scan showed a loss of bone density in my spine but oddly an increase in my Femora. I was sent for blood tests which would determine if I needed increased Calcium based medication. I suggest that the waiting areas are signed more comprehensively and the staff manning the reception desk give clear directions about the specific waiting zones. N.B: After my appointment whilst waiting in the corridor for my Blood test at about 17.00hrs one of the consultants discovered a family who had been waiting there, undiscovered, since 14.00hrs.