RECOMMEND YOUR CONSULTANT

I started developing what looks like epilepsy five years ago, collapsing about 3-5 times a year. With apparently normal CT, EEG (sleep deprived), MRI scans and blood tests, I still haven't been diagnosed with anything. After rarely having medical problems, I am new to the game of fighting for attention within the health service. So far, of two consultants I have seen, one apparently forgot to respond to test results (discovered two or three months later, after chasing it up); he just sent a two sentence reply to say 'tests where normal'. The second appeared irritable and distracted, with his secretary off sick, during the precious ten minute chance I last got to see him (for £150); he then didn't reply to a follow up letter which, chased up 3 weeks later, was responded to with 'thank you; the letter sent has been stored in your Medical File'. After nearly drowning in the bath, I feel a need to be more proactive. Speaking to advisors, working with the excellent NSE, I am amazed there is no way to find out information about consultants. A patient almost has no right to question a consultant´s ability or to asses their suitability, by finding out the main focus of their work (ie. if hormonal factors are high on the agenda, it would be better to see someone who has made this subject their life´s work.) The purpose of this note, then, is to ask if anyone could recommend a London based consultant, with lots to offer for those with ambiguous, mysterious cases! If you have any other tips on finding a better consultant, feel free to add you thoughts, as this must be a common concern. (Also, for reasons of libel, don't mention names of poor consultants; only compliment those who do good!)