I know many of us have been frustrated by the unavailability of GP appointments, even telephone appointment often entail a long wait.
I was shocked and worried by what a friend told me at the week-end.
This friend had quite a serious melanoma removed a few years ago and the dermatologist at the hospital impressed on her that if she has any concerns she must let him know. Fast forward to last week when she discovered a small lump on her back. She rang the hospital but was told that since the Dermatologist hadn't seen her for over a year she needed to be referred by her doctor - urgently.
So she rang the surgery and after two days of constant ringing finally got through sky to be told she was ringing at the wrong time and would need to call back at 8 am the following day. She did this, and eventually was offered a telephone appointment with a GP, which took place later the morning. He said without hesitation, that he needed to see her (!) that day and made an appointment at the 'other' surgery, not in our village.
She arrived to find the GP wearing full protective gown, mask etc, so immediately asked if he wanted her to wear a mask as well. His reply was no, it was to protect him because he was the only doctor there and if he got ill there would be no GPs available. She asked about a particular GP she has seen previously and was told she wouldn't be back!
No wonder it's so hard to get an appointment, but how worrying for patients who do need to see a doctor. :
I was shocked and worried by what a friend told me at the week-end.
This friend had quite a serious melanoma removed a few years ago and the dermatologist at the hospital impressed on her that if she has any concerns she must let him know. Fast forward to last week when she discovered a small lump on her back. She rang the hospital but was told that since the Dermatologist hadn't seen her for over a year she needed to be referred by her doctor - urgently.
So she rang the surgery and after two days of constant ringing finally got through sky to be told she was ringing at the wrong time and would need to call back at 8 am the following day. She did this, and eventually was offered a telephone appointment with a GP, which took place later the morning. He said without hesitation, that he needed to see her (!) that day and made an appointment at the 'other' surgery, not in our village.
She arrived to find the GP wearing full protective gown, mask etc, so immediately asked if he wanted her to wear a mask as well. His reply was no, it was to protect him because he was the only doctor there and if he got ill there would be no GPs available. She asked about a particular GP she has seen previously and was told she wouldn't be back!
No wonder it's so hard to get an appointment, but how worrying for patients who do need to see a doctor. :
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