In my time in Susans' I've read a number of people talking about the progress they are making. For some, it seem to be almost plain sailing, for other a rather more bumpy ride. I wonder how many have simply been thrown out at the first enquiry.
I recall, in the early 80s, think it was 1981, there was a program on the TV documenting the transision of one person. She had the complete support of her family, especially her sisters and her employer. That, basically, was the program.
To cut a long story short, she moved and her new Dr refused to prescribe any medications. This young woman then appeared on a discussion program presented by a woman called Dr Mirium Stoppard, who told her, (literally), Drs got you into this mess, they should see it through.
In my own case, I blotted my copy book when I was 16, by having the temerity to make a complaint. I recall, about 16 years later, while I was a nurse, I went to see my then GP for something. He went away to check my casenotes for something. When he came back his personality had completely changed. I went from being his friend to garbage that needed to leave.
I'm sure most of the others here would never be as arrogant as I was to dare to question or even suggest that a Dr could do any wrong.
We are living with the consequences of creating a profession with ecclesiastical mystique. Even criticising is socially unacceptable. Someone I know, a few years ago, wrote a strongly worded letter, complaining about a Dr.. A daylater, two young policemen ambushed that person in the street, told them publically, they were assessing them under the mental health act, (which was nothing more than a stupid threat), then cautioned them.
So making a complaint can now have you arrested.
I have heard that there are many who feel very agreaved by the way they have been treated. Relatives being killed, children being sexually assaulted, inappropriate or incompetant treatment.
There are no outlets or facilities to make complaints. Dissatisfied patients are irrational or trouble makers seeking profit. In the late 70s, there was a small movement demanding that a complaints process be established. The response was that Drs would be spending all their time dealing with complaints!!!!!
My fear is that, eventually, the angry people are going to start contacting each other. In the case of the UK for example, if that is only 1% of the population, that amounts to 700,000. There are going to be a lot of Drs getting hurt.
I have to say, I will never be violent with anyone. But if I saw such a group, I wouldn't feel inclined to defend any Dr. They've brought this on themselves. The innocent Drs are equally guilty by their refusal to attack the guilty.
In the UK, if you even mention the name Dr Shipman in the presence of any Drs you are likely to have serious problems.
I'm really pleased for those here who have been treated positively and respectfully by these public servants. But to be honest, it's just luck.
