What will happen at the appointment?
In your first appointment, a clinician will complete an assessment of your needs before deciding what type of treatment is appropriate.
Different consultants assess in different ways which may seem a little confusing. However, we will have considered your needs before allocating a therapist to you, so hopefully there will be a fit between your therapist and your difficulties.
It is important to develop a good working relationship with your consultant; we find that optimum results are achieved from the assessment and subsequent treatments if people say whatever is on their mind. Be assured that this is a confidential service and the consultant is here to help you.
ATTENDING FOR AN INDEPENDENT REPORT
The following sets out various details in relation to attending an assessment at Samuel Maynard Centre for the first time and undergoing assessment by a consultant psychiatrist. We try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions you may have regarding your assessment. Your appointment is with a consultant psychiatrist. Consultant psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have had a period of special training to become specialists in psychiatric assessment and treatment of individuals.
What happens during the assessment?
Your assessment may have been requested by your
employers, occupational Health Advisors, insurance company or solicitor to arrange
for a consultant psychiatrist to assess you and give an independent psychiatric opinion
and will undertake to give objective advice both to you and to whoever has instructed
him/her. Your signed consent for the appointment will be obtained at the start of
the consultation if not already provided. The consultant will discuss with you the
reason for your examination. We normally allow up to 2 hours for a full psychiatric
examination, depending on the complexity of the case. The consultant will introduce
himself or herself and should make you feel comfortable. He or she will want to know
briefly about what happened, then about your symptoms (how you have been affected)
in detail. You will be asked about any treatment you have had, any medical or Psychiatric
problems in the past, plus a little about your family and your background (including
your childhood, schooling, relationships and work). You will also be asked about
what you do day to day, including hobbies and household jobs. Try to answer honestly
and accurately. If you are not sure of anything, such as dates and times, say so.
At the end, you will be able to ask any questions you have. A Psychiatrist will not
usually need to examine you Physically for the report. Often it is helpful for the
Psychiatrist to speak to your partner or a family member about how your symptoms
have affected you. Usually, your solicitor will have asked for your permission to
show the Expert copies of your medical records and you may be asked about these.
The consultant who assesses you will explain how information will be communicated to the instructing organisation. If you are attending for an Independent Examination, you are not entitled to see the report prior to it being sent and, if so, you need to have consented to see the consultant on this basis. We will not automatically send a copy of the report to your GP without your explicit consent and the consent of the instructing agency.
If a report is requested from your employer or other agency (such as insurance company)
and you are already under our care or the care of one of our consultants who is preparing
the report, the report will then be prepared according to the Access to Medical Reports
Act 1988. Your consent is explained under the terms of this Act and your consultant
will not respond to any such request before your consent has been obtained.
Your consent will be obtained prior to or at the time of attending to see the consultant and you should understand clearly what information will be imparted, to whom, for what purpose and the possible outcomes which may result. You are entitled to a copy of the report under the Data Protection Act 1998.
What happens if I don’t attend?
We understand occasional difficulties and endeavour
to accommodate late arrivals and, where appropriate and able to reschedule appointments
when necessary. We, however, have to insist on a cancellation fee equivalent to the
length of the assessment (2 hours) for all appointments cancelled less than 48 hours
prior to the planned interview. The cancellation charge would be made to the instructing
party.
What if I have a complaint?
In the first instance, We usually try to deal with all
complaints informally and in person. If you are unhappy with the response, you may
wish to proceed with a more formal complaint through the complaints procedure at
Samuel Maynard Centre.
What if I can't make the appointment or need to change it?
If you are unable to attend an appointment please contact the clinic as early as possible so that we can reschedule and offer you a more suitable time.
You can contact us by telephone or email us at: appointments.
Your Appointment
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