"Cannot Fault Them"

Over the past few years I have had to visit the doctors more often like many people do. It is a very busy surgery (all practices) and I have to say that I have been met with respect, courtesy and professionalism at all times.

I see that there are a lot of negative comments about having top speak to a doctor before an appointment to see them can be given. Although not perfect and I can see why it may irk some people, it is what it is. Personally I understand the reason they have put this system in place, and since it came in, I have never had to wait more than a day for an appointment, in fact, the response from the doctor is usually "Can you get here today?"

I have family in various parts of the country and they would give anything for that level of service, sometimes having to wait weeks for a non-urgent appointment and months for a hospital referral.

Likewise, I have had to be referred for hospital appointments; endoscopy, CT scan, MRI scan, X-Ray and Specialist appointment leading to surgery. I have nothing but praise, not only for the doctors and staff at various surgeries in the Group (mainly Seaton Sluice and Cramlington), but for all of the healthcare professionals in the hospitals (Rake Lane, Cramlington and Ashington) that I have come into contact with. My treatment has been prompt, seamless, respectful and professional at all times and at all levels.

I think we are very lucky that, in a NHS that is in difficulty, we have such dedicated and hard-working staff at our surgery and in the NHS in our region as a whole.