Bishop Auckland Hospital

I have been living with chronic pain for the last 2 years and was recently referred to the physiotherapy department by my GP. The waiting list was only a month long and the reception staff were helpful and friendly when booking appointments. Unfortunately the positives end there. The physiotherapist I saw was very condescending and treated me like a child. After several months it became clear that none of the exercises I was given were working and that the pain was continuing to get worse. When I expressed my concerns about this the physiotherapist became very dismissive, and insisted that if physical treatment wasnt working then I must have mental health issues that were causing the problem. I did not agree with this opinion but was willing to try anything to lessen the pain. I was referred for cognitive behavioural therapy and after completing a 6 week course (which I admit did have a positive impact on my mental health), the pain was no different at all. Upon communicating this to the physiotherapist I was told that since they couldnt find anything physically wrong with me (eg arthritis) and my blood tests had all come back normal, that the pain must all be in my head and to not bother coming back for any more appointments. Overall I am shocked, upset and disappointed with my treatment. I feel that I wasnt taken seriously because of my age (21), and that very little effort was put into helping me. I would strongly discourage anyone else with similar issues from using the physiotherapy department at this hospital.

Visited Colonoscopy Dept yesterday for polyp removal and assessment and found the staff to be of an extremely pleasant and engaging experience. Full attention was given to me from the Reception to the Recovery and Discharge personnel. My procedure was fully explained and carried out by competent staff who all made me feel very much ‘at home’. Can’t praise enough how calm everyone was and nothing seemed too much trouble. Would not have anything said against Bishop Auckland Hospital Staff and the determination which they display in their attitude to patients and visitors alike. Thank you to all involved. Ray Burr.

Everyone, from the receptionist to the discharge nurse were very professional in every way. I was treated with total respect and kept informed of everything that was going to take place. Thank you. Keith