"No appointments in GP practice"

My father's general health began to decline at the beginning of this year. He was a fit, hard working, always busy, older gentleman who never complained. On seeing his symptoms and how they were affecting his quality of life, we attempted to have him seen at our gp practice. 

This was the beginning of a horrendous experience. He first had an appointment with a health care assistant who was amazing. Arranged bloods, xray and an ultrasound. He'd lost a lot of weight rapidly, was suffering badly with nocturia, other urinary symptoms and a tremor. He had a lot going on but getting someone to listen was impossible. Attempts to get a face to face apt with a Dr was impossible. Weeks for a phone call appointment, for a 2 minute call, to be given antibiotics for an infection? Or told his results were normal. His urinary symptoms were long term, not caused by a UTI.  Urine samples were handed in, prior to a urology referral, that never happened. Samples were repeatedly sent off, 1st leaked in transit, 2nd was sent in an out of date container, 3rd repeat again was transferred by gp practice to send to lab into out of date container. This in incompetence.

Eventually, on getting to see a gp face to face, for a DRE in relation to the prostate and urinary symptoms, the Dr did not do the examination and my father was sent away being told his shake was "old age". (He was in his 60s).  To say we were disappointed in the way he was treated was an understatement. At this point, we paid to go private.

My father was then diagnosed with an enlarged, most likely, benign prostate which he was commenced on medication for, had a biopsy and planned surgical intervention. And we still await the nhs referral. 

After his continued general deterioration he was assessed in our local A and E department, where I can not fault their care and thorough investigations. He had a CT scan same day, and was given a provisional diagnosis of Parkinsonisms. He was referred on to Geriatric medicine in Caithness General Hospital, where he was referred for DAT scans to confirm.  He's had a follow up apt, review with Parkinsons nurse and commenced medication. 

I am a great believer that people should not abuse the use of A and E services, but if its wasn't for the care and referrals he received, we would not be where we are today. 

My father was disappearing in front of his family, physically, mentally and emotionally. The gp practice was a disgrace. I understand they are under pressure with staff shortages, lack of GPs etc but for someone who does not abuse the service, who would not bother if it was not essential, to not even be listened to or treated appropriately is neglect. I have debated making a formal complaint against the GP in question, and have been told I would not be the first.  My only hesitation is, I have myself, worked for the NHS for over 20 years.  I wish I was proud to say this.