"Access to appointments and consequences"

So I have cancer and have been with the practice for nearly 30 years. I have to say that all the GPS we have seen have supported the family well, there has been some quite serious illness in that time but we don't visit regularly at all.

The cancer treatment is at the stage where radio therapy is due to start this week.. On Monday I needed to see a GP or nurse for a prescription. It was urgent, the problem needed sorting before the radiotherapy started, the prescription would need time to take effect. Knowing the appt system I rang at 8.30am. Told there were no appointments. I explained my situation but there was nothing and no flexibility even given my circumstances. Ring tomorrow. I explain that I really don't think this should wait. We can't help, we can't give you an appointment for tomorrow even knowing my circumstances. (It feels like a lottery to know that you need to get through in less than half and hour).

So the consequence? Remember I have cancer

Visiting the pharmacist, as suggested on the website, yes we have what you need here but it does need a prescription, try St George's

Visiting St George's - yes says a sympathetic nurse, it needs a prescription, we can't do that here

Visiting the Burmantoft Health Centre (as I found the only walk in place in the whole city so thank goodness I drive and just imagine all this if you didn't) - yes says the GP you need a prescription but why on earth aren't you being seen by someone who knows you, go to the hospital too, leave an unhappy GP who reluctantly gives me prescription. Not knowing me or my treatment

Pick up messages from hospital who I had also been in touch with, come in tomorrow

This took up approaching 4 hours.

Tues - at hospital discussion goes through diff staff and consultant called in. (Oh I cry for a while feeling overset) Result, come to us not GP, OK but they shouldn't have to pick this up, it's a separate issue, and they aren't exactly local. Decision not to delay the radio therapy, although was proposed, and monitor how the side issue responds to prescription, it only has 3 days.

So I would never claim 30 yrs with a practice should make a difference but I do think that first come first served for appointments has just failed miserably, Fortunately for me not catestrophically as I did get what was needed after what felt like a battle. I felt v bruised and overcome by it all but some people who are more vulnerable could well have been defeated.