"Refused treatment when in agony"

Yesterday I needed basic pain management from Hassengate Medical centre for an accute infection which started from an initial dental infection (which was fully treated to the maximum ability by my dentist) and had escalated to acute Agony to my face and eye socket. The maximum pain relief that was prescribed by my dentist had no effect so I was referred to Hassengate for specific pain management which should have been “core business” for the surgery. Despite a phone consultation in tears and agony, the GP Told me it was not her problem and refused to treat me! She told me to go back a dentist or A+E. I explained that I wasn't looking for assistance with the dental issue, but purely pain management but she was not interested whatsoever and refused treatment. I was forced to attend Lewisham UCC where the senior ENP and ED consultant were outraged at the refusal of treatment I had been subjected to by Hassengate.

After they examined me they simply changed my pain medication (none of which involved controlled drugs in any way) and within hours the pain had gone!!!!

I cannot thank Lewisham UCC enough !

I found Hassengate’s behaviour towards me totally against everything the NHS stands for.

I hardly ever visit my GP and when I do it is because I am in desperate need.

In the midst of a Covid pandemic I did not want to bother a hospital with basic pain relief that should have been core business for any GP.

It is my view that Hassengate’s behaviour in refusing to treat me and forcing me to attend A&E, placed my health at risk in the current Covid pandemic and Burdened a hospital with something the GP should have and easily could have dealt with. GPs should be protecting front line Emergency Departments in the current situation Not adding to their work load and placing patients like me at increased risk.