Feeling like your concerns and questions have been addressed is just as important as receiving healthcare treatment. However, many people across the country leave their GP or hospital appointments wishing they had spoken up more or asked different questions.
There are practical steps you can take to ensure your voice is respected, which boosts your confidence and fosters stronger communication with your healthcare provider.
Preparation Matters: Know Your Rights and Tools
Before you visit the consultation room, take the time to prepare a brief summary of your symptoms. Include when they started, how they’ve changed, and how they affect daily life to make it easier to explain your concerns clearly. Writing down a list of questions ensures you don’t forget essential points under pressure.
It’s also important to understand your rights within the NHS. Martha’s Rule, for example, is now operational in all acute hospitals in England, giving patients and families the power to trigger an independent review if they feel their care concerns aren’t being taken seriously.
Use Every Communication Channel: Digital and In-Person
The NHS is adopting new methods to simplify communication, including digital tools such as NHS Notify. It provides text reminders and updates, as well as the option to submit information before your appointment. Many practices now allow you to pre-submit symptoms or queries via online forms, which can give doctors a clearer picture before you arrive.
In-person communication remains key. During consultations, aim to be concise and lead with your most pressing concern first. If you’ve already submitted background details online, use the face-to-face time to focus on clarifying your questions and discussing treatment options.
Making the Most of Consultation Time
GP appointments are often limited, so you should maximise that time by prioritising your top one or two concerns, rather than trying to cover everything in one sitting. If your issues are more complex, you can request a longer appointment in advance.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarity if something isn’t explained in a way you understand. Confirming the following steps, whether it’s tests or medication, helps avoid confusion and gives you a more straightforward path forward.
Feedback and Advocacy: Be Proactive
Your voice doesn’t have to end at the consultation. Leaving constructive feedback on platforms like Care Opinion helps providers understand what works well and what areas could be improved. If you encounter ongoing difficulties, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers direct support and can often resolve communication issues within NHS trusts.
In more serious cases, if concerns remain unresolved and you feel the quality of care has led to harm, seeking independent support through medical negligence claims may be necessary. They can provide a legal route to address significant care failings with financial support to aid your recovery.