"No time for even the elderly..."

My father in law is 92 years of age. He struggles with mobility & has had some serious problems in the past. he does not make a fuss and tries to keep his medication down to a minimum. This morning I took him for a pre-booked BP test & urine test. over the last couple of days he has had severe back pain so while at the surgery I tried to book an appointment for him and was told I cannot till the appointments open at 9:30am (It was 9:20 at the time & his BP test was at 9:30). So I phoned the surgery ... from the surgery !!!?? after approx 15 min I got through to the 1st stage and answered all the relevant questions. I was told to keep my mobile on & I would receive a call from a doctor within 2 hours. 4 hours later I received the call & answered all the relevant questions.

I finally got an appointment for him at 3:40pm at the community hospital. The doctor was very polite & helpful and remembered seeing him once before. after carrying out her tests & checking him over she was concerned that, due to his history, it may be connected with his prostrate so wanted to rule it out before progressing. She asked me to book another PSA blood test for the following day (Friday) at his local practice (Highlands Medical Centre). I said that may be difficult as it is normally a problem getting appointments. She suggested a blood test would be easier to book & if no appointments then Monday would be OK but she suggested that sooner rather than later.

There was no phone signal in the centre so I tried to book the appointment from the car when I got outside with my father in law. After waiting the now expected time of 15min minimum I explained the situation and that the doctor had requested us to book the next day. The receptionist, after checking the system, advised the earliest time slot would be 15 days later. I feel that this is a disgusting way to treat a 92 year old patient who is in pain and has a history of prostrate cancer.

As mentioned by other patients, Highlands Medical Practice has gone downhill over the last couple of years which is such a shame as it used to be a wonderful friendly efficient practice.