"Medical Appointment Process"

I wish to express my deep concerns regarding the appointment system at Hassengate Medical Centre, which I believe is fundamentally incompatible with the realities faced by working individuals. The process requires patients to call at an exact time, complete a form, and then remain available all day to potentially be seen for even urgent issues such as an earache. This rigid structure presents an impossible challenge for those with work commitments.

On a recent occasion, I was unable to submit the form at the designated time due to professional obligations. When I contacted reception to explain the situation, I was met with indifference. Despite making it clear that I would not be reaching out unnecessarily without a genuine medical concern, I was dismissed and told to contact NHS 111.

My experience with NHS 111 was equally frustrating. The first call was unhelpful, and the second resulted in a referral to hospital A&E—where staff had no record of the referral. My issue remained unresolved. This suggests a serious breakdown in coordination and communication between services.

It must be said: I think the current structure of the NHS fails to support working people. I believe that individuals should be given the choice to opt out of NHS services and contributions, which would allow them to pursue private healthcare without being penalised by the system’s inefficiencies.

Moreover, the referral of non-emergency cases to A&E places unnecessary strain on emergency services, detracting attention from critically ill patients. GPs, whose funding is tied to patient registration numbers, appear to have little incentive to ensure that patients actually benefit from care.

While the doctors at Hassengate Medical Centre are excellent and show genuine professionalism, I must state that the administrative experience does not reflect the same standard. The dismissive attitude of reception staff exacerbates patient stress and undermines trust. I strongly advocate for an overhaul in the administrative process—automation via AI may indeed provide a more consistent, impartial, and efficient alternative.

The duty of care must extend beyond clinical staff to every touchpoint within the healthcare system. Working people deserve access to timely and respectful care.