"Does anyone care?"

What a sham of a practice?

Joined the surgery very recently, the 'front of house' staff were fab, but that was where any resemblance to care ended.

Having had an ambulance via the 111 service twice that week, I struggled with breathing problems, I requested an urgent appointment.

I was told there were none available other than an early morning one which I couldn't get there. I was then told to ring at 8 a.m. I was desperate, I usually managed such situations using 'an emergency pack' kept at home for such times. Very distressed, the reception range me back later to tell me they could offer an appointment that afternoon.

I arrived on time and was then helped to the doc's room by staff.

I was staggered, there was a doctor who looked as if he had walked in of 'Coco Cabana' beach, flowery shirt and heavy dangly necklace ... I tried so hard to ignore it ...???

I explained my problem only to be told I had difficulty breathing due to poor lung capacity ... I could have told him that! He then went on to say that for that reason, he couldn't help me?

I have never ever been refused to help in such situations, but I felt it was clear he wasn't really interested!

He then went on to tell me I take 13 tablets ... never at all, I don't take that amount of medication in 24 hours let alone twice a day but he argued he was right! H then said he would get the pharmacist to ring me ... I made it clear I had already been contacted by her, but I felt he wasn't listening and didn't really care! what I really needed was an emergency pack, then I could mange my own health at home, but folk only hear what they want to hear. He increased my steroids from 5 mg to 20 mg a day, not sure why?

The next day I logged in and checked his clinical notes ... he claimed to have given me 'reassurance' on a number of issues. the only reassurance I had was that if I wanted to survive, the sooner I found another GP practice, the greater my chances of getting the help I need! I then looked up reviews fro this practice, silly me, I should have done that at the outset, then it would have been very clear that this practice rated bottom of the NHS ratings list!

I have already changed my GP, but appreciated the kindness and understanding of the staff 'front of house' ... but once in the door, that is where the care comes to an abrupt end!

I feel medical staff, no matter where they work, should abide by a 'dress code' and look professional ... perhaps my own nursing background makes me feel sad fro what we see today, but at then of the day, it is the 'quality of care' that really matters!