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Dr Dimitra Metheniti

Paediatrician

I am writing to provide feedback following the recent online ADHD assessment regarding my son, Kaiyan. This feedback is offered constructively, with the intention of supporting shared understanding and ensuring the final report reflects the full context. This appointment was attended at a point of significant exhaustion. As a parent of a child with complex needs, substantial time, emotional energy, and personal resources have been invested over many years in seeking understanding, assessment, and appropriate support. The intention in attending this assessment was to gain clarity, guidance, and support during an increasingly difficult period. While there was calm engagement with Kaiyan and some review of history, the overall experience did not feel sufficiently grounded in the full developmental, medical, and contextual picture. Key aspects of the urgency of the referral, the cumulative impact on family functioning, and the extent of previous attempts to seek help did not appear to be fully explored. It was helpful that leg pain, dyspraxia, and a whole-child perspective were considered; however, these observations would have benefited from fuller integration of existing history and context. Discussion surrounding ADHD diagnosis and medication occurred without clear acknowledgement of the prolonged and often challenging efforts already undertaken to access support. This was particularly difficult, as it was experienced as implying that the pursuit of assessment was primarily medication-focused, rather than reflecting the reality of the situation or the breadth of concerns relating to anxiety, phobias, demand avoidance, and overall functioning. It was upsetting to hear that the low school ADHD rating was considered to limit evidence across two settings. When increased conflict between Kaiyan and his father was mentioned, the subsequent focus on punishment and physical discipline—while recognised as part of standard ADHD enquiry—was experienced as misaligned with the context in which the information was shared. The tone of this line of questioning felt difficult, particularly given the absence of any safeguarding concerns, and contributed to a sense that parental actions were being scrutinised rather than the child’s needs being explored. This experience was reminiscent of previous NHS interactions in which parental concern has been perceived as problematic rather than contextualised, including prior paediatric consultations relating to leg pain where concerns were minimised. It is also important to note that Kaiyan’s father is highly involved in his care and daily regulation needs, including carefully preparing routines such as ensuring his lunchbox is appropriately organised. During the appointment, there was limited opportunity to convey the extent of prior investigations relating to leg pain, vitamin D, dyspraxia (which has been explored and ruled out), and possible hypermobility, despite extensive engagement with GP, NHS, orthopaedic, and specialist services. Greater exploratory questioning and integration of existing reports may have supported a more complete understanding of this history. Overall, the assessment appeared to move relatively quickly towards formulation and advice-giving. For a parent already experiencing significant fatigue and pressure, this approach felt misaligned with the need for collaborative exploration and validation of lived experience. Rather than feeling supported or guided, the interaction was experienced as judgement, which contributed to feelings of inadequacy at a time when reassurance and clarity were being sought. The cumulative developmental history, current level of impact, and constraints faced by the family did not appear to be fully reflected within the appointment. The experience was consistent with interactions where parental concerns and lived expertise are positioned as secondary to professional formulation, rather than integrated as essential clinical information. Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback.

Mr Christopher Brew

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Brew came in to see me on the morning of surgery. I also saw him briefly in the anti room before going into theatre, and then again in my room, post surgery. He said all had gone well and that he would pop in to see me the following day. The physio came to see me several times the next day, so I was up and about with the physio and using the walking aid. Mr Brew popped in again early evening to see how I was, and said he would come and see me the following day. My physio came the next morning and we had more intensive exercises throughout the day. By late afternoon, I was doing well with the exercises and the physio said she was more than happy to discharge me if I would like to go home. So I didn’t see Mr Brew again until Friday this week, when he confirmed that he was happy with the way my knee was looking, then we looked at the X-rays with him and everything looked good. In actual fact, I was just recovering from a migraine on the day of my appointment, and wasn’t confident in asking the questions I had written down. My fault of course, but it is my intention to phone Mr Brews secretary and ask her if she would be kind enough to ask them on my behalf, and let me know the answers. He did say he would arrange to see me again at the end of the year.

Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough

I had knee replacement surgery at the Practice Plus hospital at Barlborough on 29th November. The pain I experienced during the two weeks following the surgery on a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate at 8 to 9. Now that I am in my eight week of recovery my pain level is 1 or2 I had a problem in that during the first 2 weeks after surgery I was hardly able to sleep due to the pain when lying down and some nights I had zero hours of sleep. After discussion with the hospital pharmacist it became evident that one of the pain killing medicines I had been prescribed had insomnia as one of it’s side effects. After stopping this medication and taking an alternative my sleep pattern returned to normal and my recovery accelerated. From the experiences of friends who had undergone this surgery I knew that physiotherapy was the key to a successful outcome. The physiotherapy I received at Barlborough was exceptional. By following their exercise plans and receiving guidance at my follow-up visits I am now able walk for one hour virtually pain free, ride my static bike at home and if all goes well should be able to ride my bike on the road in a few weeks time. Thank you Barlborough Stephen M

Professor Yacoub Khalaf

Obstetrician & Gynaecologist

We chose Professor Khalaf for our treatment for a second time, after the wonderful service we had when concieving our daughter 4 years ago. Professor Khalaf is a wonderful, warm, kind, professional doctor who went above and beyond to help us through a challenging time. His confidence, professionalism and exceptional knowledge guided us through our treatment smoothly. We opted for the personalised care, and we were able to contact Professor Khalaf directly when needed. His quick replies where greatly appreciated. Professor Khalaf gave us the confidence and reassurance to try again, and I am currently 14 weeks pregnant with my second child. We will be forever grateful to this wonderful Doctor for giving us everything we dreamed of, and we could not recommend him enough!

The McIndoe Centre

Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Medicine, + 3 more

Great! Excellent overall experience. Facilities in general good, room, cleanliness, staff and procedure. I really am a fan, and if necessity arises would return with a lot of confidence that things would go well. Two small items of feedback : Negative - situation of the centre is not ideal and some patients get a view of a dingy disused courtyard . This is a minor point ! Food could be a little more interesting. Positive - its both reassuring and positive that the whole experience, especially the excellent staff, are so personal. The patient feels that care is tailored specifically to them. Little danger of removing the wrong leg! Warm human interchanges throughout, which is very, very good!

Mr Raghav Dwivedi

ENT Surgeon

Mr Dwivedi treated me for a large thyroid lump - I didn't know whether it was benign or malignant and as someone who suffers from anxiety, I was a bit of an anxious wreck in the lead up to surgery. I could not have been treated better by Mr Dwivedi. His bedside manner is excellent, he explained everything very clearly and with empathy, and he put me at ease from the start. I had to have a hemithyroidectomy in order to ascertain whether the lump was cancerous or not (thankfully it wasn't), but the operation was smooth, the recovery was manageable, and the scar is barely noticeable already. All round - I would highly recommend Mr Raghav Dwivedi.

Dr Diab Haddad

Paediatrician

My daughter has been seeing Dr Haddad on and off for the past eleven years. He is extremely personable, professional and above all kind. She feels he always listens to her and takes her seriously, and as a parent it is such a relief to find a professional who takes what you say, as well as what your child says, completely seriously. He has a high level of care and refers to other specialists as and when needed. We couldn't recommend him highly enough. He noticed that my child had a rare medical condition which most healthcare professionals dismissed and has been helping us with it ever since.

Mr Geoff Chiu

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr Chiu promptly diagonised the need to remove my un-erupted ectopic lower third molar. Dr Chiu listened to all my concerns and answed my questions in detail. Communication was great right from the initial meeting through to post surgery follow up consultation. All meetings were followed up in writing confirming the discussion and actions agreed. Dr Chiu also identified a dental filling which was incorrectly completed by a previous dentist. I found Dr Chiu very knowledgable. I strongly suggest anyone looking for a oral and maxillofacial surgeon to contact Dr Chiu without hesitation.

Lanserhof at the Arts Club - Medical

Acupuncture, Cardiology, + 14 more

I had booked a vitamin infusion. The whole experience was a desaster. The nurses used several needles but were not able to “find a good Vene” as they called it. They said my venes are the problem which is ridiculous as I had been to your place to get infusions multiple times and there never was a problem. As a result, I now have three large bruises and my arms hurt. I left without getting the infusion. The ladies did not even apologize. In my view, they should get proper training both when it comes to doing injections and servicing clients. I will not return.

Mr William Breakey

Plastic Surgeon

Mr Breakey recently repaired our son Noah’s cleft palate. We feel incredibly lucky that he was our surgeon and are so grateful to him for the operation he performed for Noah. It will change his and our lives for the better and we are so thankful! Noah’s cleft was very wide and quite complex, but you wouldn’t know it, it looks amazing and just a day after Noah is getting back to his normal self. Mr Breakey was so calm and reassuring, explained everything to us so well and clearly deeply cares about his patients. I couldn’t be more grateful to him!

HCA Healthcare UK The Wellington Hospital

Neurology, Orthopaedic Surgery, + 10 more

The most important thing for a patient undergoing a medical procedure is the trust between the patient and the treating physician. From the assessment meeting, followed by the brief consultation with Dr. Seward, and throughout the medical procedure, I felt that I was being treated in the most professional manner possible. Dr. Seward demonstrated extensive knowledge, professionalism, and confidence, and created a comfortable atmosphere between us, providing clear information throughout the entire process.

Clarity - Kings Norton

Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology

Transfered to Clarytin after disappointing time with NHS awaiting time for appointment for cataract removal. Very pleased with Clarity who saw me very shortly after referral and operated on a week later. I was going to wait for the next operation on the NHS on the 4th February but when that was moved to sometime in April, I took the next available appt on January 20th for a private operation. Both private experiences have been a pleasure and very good.

Newmedica Newcastle

Ophthalmology

The whole experience was very easy, everything was explained before it happened, there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions, and the whole set up was efficient, friendly and spotlessly clean. The actual cataract surgery took no time at all, and was painless, although felt peculiar. I was able to go home much quicker than expected.

HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Cosmetic (Aesthetic) Medicine, Ear Nose & Throat Surgery (ENT/Otolaryngology), + 8 more

I attended radiology on Tuesday for a scan with Amanda and Lizzy. Brilliant service, seen on time by radiographer, Amanda I think, who was very emphatic, friendly, knowledgeable and thorough. Both staff made me feel like I had their full attention at all times, and I didn’t feel at all rushed, despite them working to a schedule.

This was the first time I had been treated in hospital for 50 years so I was understandably anxious about having a hip replacement operation but everybody was so kind and helpful with endless patience and professionalism nothing was to much trouble and I would recomend to anyone this hospital and all the staff are excellent.

Dr Sibu Varghese

Gastroenterologist

Dr. Varghese was very helpful in identifying one of the underlying causes of my condition. He was thorough, efficient, and prompt in his responses, always accommodating my convenience. He also made a timely referral when needed. I am very satisfied with the care I received and would definitely recommend him.