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"Dreadful phone service"

About: General practices in Forth Valley

(as a service user),

I suffer from peripheral neuropathy (chronic pain) and have done so unfortunately for several years. I take a quantity of medication to try and alleviate my pain but recently the pain has become unbearable to the extent that during constant pain episodes I can’t even think, stand or sit, eat, sleep and my mental health is in a steady decline. 

Given the above circumstances I phoned my Medical Centre at 0833hrs in October 2021. I eventually got through to a receptionist and relayed my symptoms which actually caused me to become somewhat upset. I was informed that someone would call me later on that day. All day I kept my mobile phone attached to me hoping to finally receive medication to assist in helping my symptoms. I had not received a call by 1600hrs so I phoned the aforementioned health centre to be informed that I would receive a telephone call.

Nervously I waited and as time went by I realised that even if I received a telephone call I would not have time to pick up any prescribed medication. I phoned the health centre again at 1745hrs to receive an automated message saying that the health centre was closed.  I am writing this now through tears, utter frustration, disappointment and despair as yet again I will have another agonising night. This behaviour from the health centre has been a disgrace and I think they should be ashamed of the way I have been treated. 

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Responses

Response from Pauline Donnelly, Person Centred Manager, Department of Nursing, NHS Forth Valley 2 years ago
Pauline Donnelly
Person Centred Manager, Department of Nursing,
NHS Forth Valley
Submitted on 25/10/2021 at 08:52
Published on Care Opinion at 08:52


picture of Pauline Donnelly

Dear Matelot,

I am so sorry to hear of the difficulty you have had accessing your GP, this must be so very upsetting and distressing for you.

I would like to look into this further and see how we can support you, can I please ask you to get in touch with me, you can call me on 01324 566523 or alternatively you can email me pauline.donnelly@nhs.scot

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kindest regards

Pauline

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