Consultant ‘mocked plumber in arrogant letter’

A HOSPITAL consultant mocked one of his hospital’s patients after recognising him as the plumber he had previously called to fix his leaking radiator.

The plumber had complained about the waiting time and NHS treatment after injuring himself repairing a radiator at the consultant’s home.

His letter of complaint landed on the desk of one of the hospital’s senior consultants – who happened to be the man whose radiator he had tried to fix.

That prompted the consultant to retaliate with a letter of his own, published on a British Medical Association online forum, in which he poked fun at the patient.

But MPs have now condemned the consultant and the BMA over the letter, claiming it reveals the arrogance of many doctors towards their patients.

Writing under the pseudonym Charles Lamb, the consultant said: “He said nobody told him what was happening and people kept walking past him in the minors’ area without responding. All I got for communication was the sound of air sucked between nicotine-stained teeth when I asked why he was taking so long with my plumbing.”

Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, said that it was “truly shocking” to see an NHS consultant insulting “hard-working” members of the public.

The BMA removed the consultant’s letter from its website forum last night but said ”at no point was any offence intended”.