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Recommendations of Second opinion

Your GP, consultant or healthcare professional, should check your understanding, explain any medical terms and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. Any information should be summarised, written down and supported by published information if available. You should have any fears or concerns listened to, and receive emotional support for yourself and your family, if appropriate.

Before asking for a second opinion, it is worth noting that your dissatisfaction with the first opinion may be down to a communication failure between you and your GP, consultant or healthcare professional. Asking them to explain things to you again may easily rectify this – it’s often helpful to make a list of questions before you see them or ask someone else to accompany you who can ask questions on your behalf. If you can do this then there may be no need to obtain a second opinion.

If you are unhappy with your diagnosis or you do not understand the advice you have been given, go back to your GP or consultant and ask them to explain anything you are not sure about. If you would like an alternative course of treatment to be considered then discuss this with your GP.

• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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