"Humiliating and ineffective"

Had an allergic reaction, which made my throat close up, but it didn't appear to be life threatening. I am medically trained, so knew that I didn't need an ambulance, but that I had to see a GP as soon as possible. I therefore phoned the surgery and it was a long and stressful wait before I managed to speak with someone. I explained the situation and to my astonishment was humiliated by a rude receptionist and had to sell myself to her to be put on the triage list. Went private as by then I was in severe pain and worried and the private doctor suggested that I contact the surgery again with a photo of my throat, which I did. Received a call back from a nurse, who told me to drink water and relax; she wasn't interested to see the photo of my throat. I was too knackered and worried about my health to argue with her, so I went private and they put me on steroids and antibiotics. I also required follow up appointments and referrals and the private doctor contacted the surgery several times before the surgery replied.

I might not be alive now had I relied on the surgery to help me.

Made complaints, but never received an apology. I explained to one of their clinicians that I was traumatised by that experience, to which he replied that I am welcome to leave the surgery and find an alternative. If one can help it, then I would avoid this surgery. You will very unlikely be able to see a doctor and have to 'sell yourself' to the receptionist to receive a call from a nurse. Humiliating and counter productive!