"Dreadful GP Service....Amazing Tameside"

My main issue was with my GP service, which has been really poor. I have suffered from something (still not yet determined) for 18 months and I fail to see why a GP can not make a simple referral to a specialist, instead of delaying a problem which has subsequently got worse. It is a known fact that care in Tameside is poor and I do think GP's have a major part to play in this and that they impact on the hospital, which is renowned for its name, but in my case have been amazing so far. My GP (I saw three different ones in the same practice) 18 times, fell below standards and I truly hope that there lack of care, listening and speed has not impacted on my future quality of life. They were too quick to pin things on an existing condition when I clearly told them I needed further help and investigation. My GP arranged for an ultrasound to be undertaken at the practice. Within two days I was informed to attend and meet my GP to discuss my results and his manner was appalling, he told me, even though no bloods or other tests were conducted, just an ultrasound, it looked like I had Pancreatic Cancer, bare in mind I have two children and I am in my early 30's. He was rude, had no feeling, gave no sense of sympathy, nothing. He was like a robot. He then told me I would need a CT scan.....to which the referral was not sent correctly and ended up in the middle of no where and I was waiting and waiting and waiting. I know what pathway I should of been put on and what the GP should of done and that this is not the process for them to follow and the responsibility should be with the Practice Manager to link in with the Hospital in order to advise there team of how and where to make referrals. My GP refused to assign me to a Consultant/Department wanting control of my results and thus delaying me actually seeing a specialist. He said he would see me and give me my results when he returns from leave and I took this fantastic opportunity of seeing his colleague who shook her head in disbelief at what we had been told (my husband has been there throughout) the complete management and could not comprehend why this doctor would want control of a symptomatic lady who needed specialist help. I will be referring this GP to his professional body as I am concerned about my delay and I am sure this is happening to others in Tameside. A simple audit and investigation is needed and they will see this in my notes. In the past 6 weeks my care has been transferred to Tameside I have seen three specialists and have a care plan and follow up appointments arranged. I think that GP's need to learn valuable lessons and I will dispute any arguments this GP practice may have. They have failed me and have alerted me to serious concerns about practice, care and quality. Tameside your Radiology Department is amazing and your Gastro Department has been great so far. Keep up the good work and I sympathise for the mess you have to pick up from controlling GP's. He needs to know there is such a thing as patient choice and he had no right in dictating to my health needs.