"Delays getting GP appointments"

This story has been posted by Healthwatch Tameside on behalf of a member of the public. We have their details and will forward any comments to them. They said…

Attend the Highlands GP Surgery in Ashton-under-Lyne. Getting an appointment is a nightmare. If it’s an emergency you have to ring at 8am – can’t get through for ages. When you do all the appointments have gone. Alternatively you can go to the surgery for 8am, get an appointment, then go home and return later for the appointment. If it is a non-urgent appointment the waiting time is usually 2 ½ weeks.

Have to go for regular blood tests which used to be done upstairs by the nurse. Now we get sent to the nurse at the Primary Care Centre – the waiting time for an appointment is 2 weeks, then it’s at least another 2 weeks to get to see the doctor for the results.