It's not just about money. It's about archaic procedures that just stifle good performance at our GP surgeries which has a knock-on effect through the whole of the NHS system. My recent experience at this surgery is a good example.
A problem has developed with one of my the fingers, which gives me pain and on occasions locks in a crooked position. So, I contacted the surgery via the online Klinik form to get it resolved and set out below is the time line of events.
20/11/24 - contacted surgery via online Klinik form.
21/11/24 - referred to a physiotherapist by text.
03/12/24 - I saw the physiotherapist who diagnosed the problem, which required a steroid injection. He could not do it under the NHS and so it would have to be done by my GP surgery. He then sent an email to the surgery for them to action.
03/01/25 – Received a text message booking a telephone appointment with a doctor for 17th January 2025.
17/01/25 – A doctor telephoned me and asked how the finger was asking details about the pain. He then told me that he would refer me for a steroid injection.
29/01/25 - I have to-date heard nothing!
I know in the scale of things my problem is minor, but I am experiencing pain and this procedure is probably the standard approach for all ailments. Was this really the best use of the doctor's time who telephoned me? After all, you referred me to a physiotherapist who diagnosed the problem and the solution - an injection.
If this had happened years ago, I would have seen a doctor who would have diagnosed the problem and given me an injection there and then.
"The Problem With Our NHS"
About: The Waterfield Practice The Waterfield Practice Bracknell RG12 9LH https://www.waterfieldpractice.co.uk/
Posted via nhs.uk
- Story from
- nhs.uk
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference
››
Responses