"What a disappointment for the N.H.S."

My wife had received a telephone consultation from her GP earlier in the day regarding her condition. Verbal advice, blood test(at local hospital)was taken and prescription for Oramorph sent to our pharmacy, which was collected.

During the night at about 02.00 she experienced severe ear and jaw pain despite having taken the Oramorph.

I contacted 111 for advice.

After speaking with the adviser and full history given we were then contacted by a nurse adviser,again full history given.

At about 03.30 the GP 'phoned, again full history given.

The advice was to collect a prescription from base,at the local hospital .

I suggested to the GP that my wife should be clinically examined due to her condition, his reply was to contact our own GP when they open!

So at 04.00 I drove to the hospital to collect the prescription for stronger analgesia, speaking to the receptionist at the hospital I was informed there were no patients waiting to be seen by the GP.

It would have taken five minutes to examine my wife and prescribe the appropriate medication for her condition.

Feel the service, on this occasion failed to deliver a safe and appropriate service.

Having worked in the N.H.S. for many years as a senior emergency nurse I have now experienced why patients self present to A/E Depts..( Which we did not do!)