Dr Rowan Heath

Written by a carer at Kingston Hospital

For both our appointments with Dr Heath, the clinic was running late. The first was a one hour delay, for the second it was almost two hours. I understand this must put a great deal of pressure on Dr Heath and the support staff. I was concerned we would not get the appropriate consideration around my son's health issue due to time constraints, but this was not the case. Dr Heath immediately apologised for the delay and explained the circumstances which had lead to the late running of the clinic, which I'm sure not all consultants would take the time to do. Dr Heath's manner during examination of my son was gentle and reassuring for him, during which time she listened carefully to my concerns and offered advice for moving forward in my care for him. Additionally, I appreciated her calm and clear explanation of our previous test results, despite the obvious limited time there had been to review notes in between patients. I find this doctor to have a great level of patient care and attention to detail, with a warm and trustworthy manner as she delivers her advice. However, I do think both Dr Heath and the carers/family of her patients would benefit from a clinic administered in a more effective way to ensure it runs as close to appointment times as possible.

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Listening

Written by a carer at Kingston Hospital

we were referred to dr heath for a first paediatric check up. we came 10 min early to our appointment so we waited until it was our turn. soon we were called by a clinic assistant for a weight and height check. after that the assistant asked us to wait in the waiting area again. unfortunately the waiting time took nearly an hour (not calculating the 10 min where we came early). It would have been nice when one of the staff members or even the doctor herself came to us and let us know that she was running late but no one came - instead we had to ask twice how long we still have to wait to be seen. that was a bit of a shame! after we were called in for the check up, dr heath apologized for running late and started the examination. she listened to what we were telling about all the problems our child experienced. she also clarified herself if she has understood everything about what were saying. the examination was quick but satisfying. all in all the appointment with dr heath was a good experience except the waiting time. we are going to see her again later this year.

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Listening

Written by a carer at Kingston Hospital

This doctor was under great pressure at the recent appointment as the clinic was running nearly 2 hours late. Although the consultation was short and felt a little hurried, with some test results missing from my daughter's file, she did promise to call back in a week to discuss my child's case. When she called it was a thorough telephone call and she spent considerable time explaining her diagnosis, the test results and potential paths for treatment. There were some other issues which seem discrete from the problem for which this doctor was seeing my daughter, and she recommended visiting a GP to get a referral for further testing of those areas as they were not her area of expertise. Unfortunately my daughters symptoms do not fit the profile of a readily recognisable diagnosis, so it is a matter of trying the suggested treatments, investigating certain possibilities further and being grateful there is no obvious or immediate threat to her health. I feel Dr Heath set up further testing quickly and look forward to hearing the results and her interpretation of the potential next steps for improving my daughter's health. I have to say at the initial appointment in person (which was attended by my mother caring for my daughter) she did not feel a great deal of confidence or particularly listened to, especially when my daughter gave responses to questions which were a little inaccurate, but when this was corrected with information from my mother, she felt the doctor dismissed the information she gave to her. When I spoke to her on the telephone I felt she was very thorough and took the time to explain clearly to me what she felt may be going on, and reassured me that there was nothing too serious. Although it is a little dissatisfying not to have a definite diagnosis, I appreciate this is due to the nature of my daughter's symptoms and not a lack of professional competence!!

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Listening

Written by a carer at Kingston Hospital

Wonderfully thorough, kind and helpful. We are very grateful for the time taken with our son and for the care in explanation.

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Listening

Written by a carer at Kingston Hospital

Dr Heath was caring and took the time to explain everything.

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Listening