"recent heathcare"

I have been a patient at my local practice for over 40 years and have found it always to be excellent, with good ethics and a caring ethos.

However, I recently presented with a severe hip pain. After climbing a couple of mountains in the Lake District, I was unable to move without pain, and visited the practise. The doctor I saw on this occasion said that I obviously had arthritis, so what did I expect? The doctor said that if they sent everyone in the practise who presented with pains, for an x ray, then that would be half the patients. I was given stronger pain killers and sent on my way.

I returned when I was in even more in pain and saw another doctor. I was sent for an x ray, was told that the hip condition was severe and needed replacement, but told that I should 'manage' the condition for 3 years with physio, as Hip replacements only last 10-15 years. The fact that I am already 70, and lead, sorry, did lead, an active life, seemed to mean nothing.

By this time I was in severe, constant pain and visited yet another doctor, who gave me the Oxford Hip Score test. Why could the other two not have done that?? It was quick and easy and proved that I had a severe condition. I am now referred, and am waiting for surgery for a hip replacement.

To say that I am disappointed in my treatment is an understatement. This last doctor has been fantastic. Thorough in every way, no complaints. I actually thought that having been a patient at Manchester Road for all these years meant something. I thought that my patient history was available to see instantly, and that my upbeat attitude to health and fitness was evident. How wrong was I?

The physio, was the only one to acknowledge that fact. The physio and last doctor have been fantastic. Thank you for that.