Mr Christopher Spencer

I recently had a consultation with Mr Christopher Spencer at Springfield Hospital. During the appointment, I felt that some remarks and assumptions about my background were inappropriate. For example, he referred to me as being from a certain background even after I clearly stated that I am not from that area. Later, when discussing hospital services, he made comments linking local hospitals’ lack of resources to the ethnicity of people coming to Chelmsford. This made me feel very upset, as I am not from the background he assumed. Both my partner and I were particularly concerned because we work hard, pay taxes, and pay the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year), in addition to using private insurance for this consultation. It was upsetting that the pressure on local hospitals was linked to hardworking people like us. These remarks made us feel uncomfortable and concerned, as they seemed to unfairly associate healthcare pressures with our ethnicity. While I understand healthcare professionals face pressures, this experience felt dismissive and culturally insensitive, and it affected my confidence in the consultation. I hope this feedback encourages improved awareness and training so that all patients, regardless of background, are treated with respect, professionalism, and without assumptions based on ethnicity.

Extremely approachable and knowledgeable specialist. I have seen Mr Spencer only once so far however, straight away I knew what is my health problem and what further actions are required. I have massive empathy for his work and understand the pressure any doctor is under these days. I have found Mr Spencer as very caring, friendly person, who is the right expert to guide you through female health issues. Iam happy to express my highest recommendation. Thank you Anna A

I see Mr Spencer and his nurse yesterday, I thought he was a nice caring doctor, he took time to explain everything to me. When I had to have my examination his nurse was right there holding my hand

Sadly there seems to be a distinct difference between patients at Springfield and those at Broomfield. I can only say that Mr Spencer was summarily uninformative and unhelpful in my 2 appointments with him and his nurse Jennifer. My first appointment involved a biopsy, which no clinician had told to expect.. I had only been told it was a consultation!! At no time did the nurse display any compassion or exaplnation but kept repeating parrot fashion that she was a clinician. What her clinical value was, I have no idea, apart from holding a receptical to put the biopsy samples in. To say I was treated like a slab of meat is to understate my treatment. There was a complete lack of respect or understanding that to have an urgent referral for a possible cancer diagnosis is stressful. The appointment for my result was made and duly organised with my employer to take time off to attend. As luck would have it, Diane from the gynaecology admin phoned to say, noy to attend my appointment as my results weren't in and I had such a long way to come!! She even suggested she would give me a call if it was nothing serious!! What? So if she doesn't call, it's something serious then?? After some negotiation, it was arranged that a colleague of Diane's (as Diane had a dentist appointment) would call by 9.30 on the day of my appointment to let me know if my results were in. Half an hour I received a voicemail to say my results were in and to attend my appointment. Though Diane sounded'sheepish' on the voicemail, there was no word of apology. When it came to the diagnosis appointment, I left with no clearer knowledge of what was wrong with me than I went in, save that I did not have cancer. Mr. Spencer seemed more bemused that I was post menopausal, 55 and still bleeding. An exception in medical terms. Even my GP seemed astounded that Mr Spencer nor the inimitable Jennifer had not told me what was wrong with me. I am now in the situation where I am bleeding and waiting to see my GP to come up with a longterm treatment plan. I can only apologise to Mr Spencer that my case was not worthy of his expert attention and that despite a list of quifications as long as your arm, was clearly not deemed intelligent enough to have my medical diagnosis explained to me either by himself or his nurse. The fact that a student nurse was in attendance did mean that they did display some politeness and professionalism, though with a large helping of disdain. I would not recommend Mr. Spencer or his nurse or admin staff at Broomfield hospital. Though I'm sure if you pay for their expertise they will be far more attentive.

I was referred to this doctor by my GP for a consultation under 'Rapid' access. I waited 5 months for my appointment. The doctor had a brief 5 min chat with me and discharged me back to my GP without any other investigation or interest. The only 'rapid' aspect of the 'access' was the brief chat we had however no helpful advice was given by this expert and I then spent a number of month's seeking advice from various GP's none of whom, sadly, have any specialism in woman's issues.

8 Sep 16 Very honest, kind, trustworthy and friendly. I walked away feeling very positive and that the best care had been given to me. I couldn't recommend Mr Spencer enough. Helen B