"Great service from many individuals"

Lanark Doctors (Lanarkshire Medical Group - Woodstock practice) has had a very bad reputation for some time now. While I have also been frustrated by the challenges and difficulties in getting through to a GP and getting an appointment, I would like to give praise where it’s due to the excellent, hard working staff that I have been involved with. 

I’ve recently required medical, nursing and physiotherapy care due to a broken shoulder, haemochromatosis and perimenopausal problems. I recently hit a bit of a menopausal low point and required a GP, but I was instead given an appointment with the mental health nurse, Maggie. This however turned out to be an absolute blessing, as she really took the time to listen, and to look into my history and symptoms.

So instead of prescribing antidepressants as I had feared, I was started on HRT, which has made a huge difference. It was so refreshing to not feel rushed and to be given a long consultation, and for someone to look at the whole picture. I’m sure Maggie will be a great asset to this practice. 

My physio, Lyndsey, has also been absolutely wonderful and I could not have asked for better care. The physio follow up from my injury has been flawless. 

Mr Moodie, the orthopaedic surgeon, has also been wonderful - also looking at the bigger picture and tailoring my care. The fracture clinic at UHW is so busy, but the staff have it running like clockwork. 

I would also like to mention Yvonne, the phlebotomist at Lanark Health Centre, who has made getting my bloods done so much easier for me, and also the lovely receptionists at Lanark Health Centre and Lanark Doctors, who have a tough time of it sometimes, but they have always been patient, friendly and helpful to me.

I understand that the NHS and GP surgery is under immense pressure and isn’t without its problems, but behind the bad reputation are some truly wonderful staff who deserve to be recognised for the fantastic job that they do!

Keep up the great work!