"Stressed"

My Recent Experiences at Weavervale Practice.

A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from reception at the practice requesting that I book an appointment for a telephone COPD review. After discussions with the receptionist, and myself explaining that I did not think a telephone review was suitable, (e.g. not had a review in approx. three years, COPD is a chronic disease, so I was bound to be worse than I was three years previously, very difficult to perform a Peak Flow test over the telephone. equally as difficult to monitor my Blood/O2 levels over the telephone.) It was eventually agreed that I should have a face-to-face appointment. The appointment being 11/10/21. at 10.10am.

Upon arrival at the practice, I was informed my appointment had been cancelled due to the appropriate person being sick. ( That’s Ok, these things happen.)

A second appointment was made for the same time a week later. On Friday 15/10/21 I received a call from the practice cancelling my appointment yet again, I was also told that “no further appointments were available”. (not very happy now).

In the meantime, between these two appointments, I receive a text message from NHS England, informing myself that as I have a significantly weakened immune system and that I should contact my GP to arrange a third covid vaccination. Contacted the surgery and was informed that they don’t have any vaccines and I should contact 119 to book the appointment. Contacted 119, was informed I had to go through my practice to book a third vaccine, On the phone again to the practice, was informed again no vaccines available, I had to explain that this was not a booster but a third dose vaccine. At this point, the receptionist says she will put me on the list. I am now not sure whether I am on a list or not, whether I am on a list for a booster jab vaccine, or I am on a list for a third vaccine.

Whilst I recognise this is a very difficult time for the NHS and its employees, it should also recognise the undue stress it can cause patients.

I am not sure whether this is the correct platform for raising these matters, but wanted them raised as a matter of record .