After being unable to make an appointment for my GP, 2 other GP practices and a local sexual health walk in centre, I managed to get an appointment at the North Devon centre, as I was here visiting friends (I'm not local).
I was now over 2 weeks due for contraceptive injection and was getting uncomfortable cramps as a result.
The team here couldn't have been friendlier or more helpful! Highly recommend this centre!
Was seen on time and the staff were very efficient!
By contrast Exeter, which was actually nearer, were a nightmare to try and get hold of!
Phones just ringing and ringing until an automated message tells you to ring another number (actually the same number you've just rung!)
Eventually the message will change near the end of the day to say all appointments gone and ring back tomorrow unless its an emergency/urgent.
After 5 attempts over 2 days I actually did hold on after the emergency message to be told all appointments for the next few days gone, and they had some for later in the week but I literally had to treat it as an urgent matter to get to speak to anyone.
I asked if there was anyway that I could pass on feedback to management about the struggling/lack of service being provided as it needs improving and I was just told they are trying their best.
Whilst I believe the staff there are trying their best, there are obviously issues there that Torbay and North Devon don't seem to have.
I'm not sure if this is funding or staffing or both but I hope they can look at trying to resolve this.
"Contrast in Sexual Health Services"
About: Barnstaple Health Centre / Barnstaple Sexual Health Barnstaple Health Centre Barnstaple Sexual Health Barnstaple EX32 7BH Sidwell Street Clinic / Exeter Sexual Health Sidwell Street Clinic Exeter Sexual Health Exeter EX4 6NN
Posted by omegajp33 (as ),
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