If any of you know me then you know I take for ever to make a choice and then once my mind is made up I commit. The joys of being a Libra - looking at both sides always.
I knew I wanted to choose from three companies. I did not want to delve in to who is cheaper than who. What I searched for is who is going to care for me the most. Who is going to offer me the best packages for aftercare. I searched relentlessly online, back and forth from site to site. I made a few telephone calls. I joined the WLS forum and scanned over the forums before I decided to join in. I was on youtube, I read articles. So in preparation and I don't think that we are really ever prepared, I did a lot of paper research before I started to reach out and ask questions. I never went to my own Doctor as past negative experiences I made a choice and did it my way * Bursts into song*
I picked my three companies
- The Hospital Group - Mr M Richardson - Spire Parkway. Solihull
- Ramsey Health - Mr N V Jayanthi - Springfield Hospital. Chelmsford
- Spire Health - Mr Mannur - Hartswood Hospital. Brentwood
I whittled it down to these choices. I had been researching over a month or so, going back and forth between hospitals. Below is a brief summary of pro's and con's.
The Hospital Group - Mr M Richardson - Spire Parkway. Solihull
Pro's.
- Very nice clinic
- Very professional
- Clean and modern
- Reception area welcoming
- Staff very happy to help
- Consultant spent time explaining pro's and con's of the operation
- Consultant spent time answering any questions
- Consultant was very honest about my health and weight
- Patient Adviser, professional yet explained on a level I understood
- Lots of time spent going over all the pro's and con's
- Not pressured in to making a decision on the spot
- Given lots of information to mull over in my own time
- Given contact number for any further advice
- Free consultation, with no obligation
- Felt like I was the only patient they ever had
Con's
- Nearest clinic is in London
- Surgery to take place in Solihull
Pro's.
- Nearest clinic Essex
- Surgery Essex
- Consultant spent time explaining pro's and con's of the operation
- Consultant spent time answering any questions
- Consultant was very honest about my health and weight
Con's
- Clinic also dealt with NHS Patients
- Felt like a Sheep
- No personal care
- £200 consultation fee
- No written information
- Appointment - I was 40 minutes late - they couldn't even find me on the system because the secretary never booked me in.
- Consultant focused more on the fact I might spring a leak or even die
- Consultant wanted me to go back for another consultation (£200)
- NHS Nurses were busy and forgot I was there
- Rushed appointment
- For any information I had to call the secretary.
- Questioned if he could deal with someone my size as I felt like he was continually covering his arse.
I got to this point before I even went in to see the consultant I had decided I am not going with Ramsey and decided to go with the Hospital Group. Maybe it was a bit rash but it felt right for me and after much thought I called Rachel. I am lucky I can go private and have a choice, if I were going NHS then I would have no choice.
So I am super happy with The Hospital Group. Rachel the Patient Adviser has been my little angel. Any questions she is there answering for me. I call or email and she is answering as soon as she can. Yes I am a paying patient and yes for the money I am handing over I should be treated like a queen. But still regardless of all that I actually feel fabulous and comfortable and relaxed. I liked Mr Richardson, I love Rachel and you know the whole experience for me was professional from the initial telephone call and even now.
Waiting on the Dietitian to call tomorrow - will have more news to share.
See you on the flip side xx
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Paula xx