"Poor Service"

I waited in a telephone queue to book a doctor's appt after being ill for 12 days. Finally got through and had to go complete a Triage form with the receptionist. I was very breathless with no energy, tight chest and had developed blister spots on my lower torso. I received a text from Triage a couple of hours later asking for photos that I sent of the spots. Text message received back from them saying likely to be an infection and to monitor symptoms for a further 4-5 days or visit a pharmacist! No concern about other symptoms that were the main reason for a GP appt! Well I went down hill rapidly and via 111, i was admitted to hospital with breathing problems. I was given antibiotics through a cannula, lots of blood taken for testing to rule out any infectious diseases after returning from a Caribbean cruise. The care and treatments I received from the staff at Leighton was exceptional. It is such a shame they and pharmacists are being put under pressure from the lack of support from our GP surgeries. The Triage system at Millcroft in my opinion does not work. Every patient should be entitled to a verbal contact. How can they honestly do a proper assessment via a receptionist recording of symptoms? If they had spoken to me they would have known I was struggling but I was made to feel I was wasting their time. I am rarely ill and at 63 yo have always tried to fight off any infection in the past but on this occasion I was unable to do so but held off contacting the surgery as long as possible. I am so disappointed in this surgery. How you get to see a GP these days is beyond me! I also notice that Millcroft is stating they are taking on new patients. Why, when you are obviously unable to manage existing patients. The system is stressful, uncaring and not fit for purpose in its current state. More patient care is required.