"Post Op- check"

I recently had a total hip replacement upon discharge from hospital I was advised to visit my GP to have the wound checked and the clips removed. I was very disappointed to discover that very few practises in Barnet provide that service and I was told to go Finchley Memorial.

I had to wait nearly 4 hours to be seen by a lovely nurse who was very apologetic about the wait. Sitting on those hard, low chairs was difficult to say the least. I was worried if I went for a tea or visited the restroom I would lose my place in the queue. You’re supposed to tell the receptionist if you do but quite frankly she was quite a foreboding character, didn’t seem to have much empathy with the majority of people. During my wait I witnessed two altercations with patients relatives, who were threatened with security and one person was removed from the waiting room. I really think the receptionist escalated the problem instead of trying to diffuse the situation and I speak as an ex NHS receptionist.

Also why can’t post op procedures be given appointments like physiotherapy, blood tests ect. A long wait after a recent operation really isn’t ideal.