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Another awful experience at Skelmersdale Walk in Centre

Posted By Snowdog

"Another awful experience at Skelmersdale Walk in Centre"

About: Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust

(as the patient),

After a previous experience at Skelmersdale Walk in Centre, and a solemn vow to never go there again, I have been occasionally since and been treated well, and with politeness and respect.

However recent events have upset me significantly. I spoke to the nearby pharmacist in just after 9 o clock, who advised if I was worried about my physical issue that I should call at the walk in centre nearby as it was open till 10.

I walked through the open door, just after 9. 20, and was greeted huffily by a member of staff and I asked if it was too late to see someone. There was one other family in the waiting room and no-one else.

A nurse subsequently came out to speak to me and advised me that they couldn't see me as there were patients in, and they had to be out by 10. No attempt was made to gauge the severity of my problem, and no concern given for my welfare.

It was suggested that I go to A+E or contact the out of hours GP - they didn't even know what was wrong with me!

If the centre closes at 10, one would think that 40 minutes to see two additional patients, the one waiting and myself was adequate - even a quick chat with a triage nurse would have helped.

So I went home, exceedingly anxious (amplified by the mental health problems, including massive anxiety issues) and am not going to seek further help for this particular issue.

I am against the closure of walk in centres, but not this one.

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Responses

Response from Tony Ellis, Marketing and communications manager, Marketing and Communications, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust 10 years ago
Tony Ellis
Marketing and communications manager, Marketing and Communications,
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust

Submitted on 22/11/2013 at 10:18
Published on Care Opinion at 10:32

So we can safely assess, examine, treat, discharge, refer and then complete documentation for patients already in our care, we offer an assessment service between 2100-2200 (Mon-Fri) and 1600-1700 (Sat, Sun and bank holidays). Routinely we do not close the door until 2140 (unless there are a lot of patients waiting prior to this )

Our normal practice is to advise patients who come to the door that they can book in but we close at 10pm. If they are not seen by 10pm, they will be assessed and asked to either return the next day or directed to the GP out of hours service or A&E, as appropriate.

In order to do this safely, the patient is asked about their complaint, so any serious or life-threatening condition can be determined. Patients often choose not to book in at this point.

Seeing only one family waiting in the waiting room may not be a true reflection of the nurse practitioners' work load. They may already be dealing with patients in the consultation room.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by Snowdog (the patient)

Thank you for that most unhelpful response.

Can I suggest you carefully read post before posting such glib and careless replies in future.

As I have already stated, it was 21.20, you have stated assessment is performed until 21.40. Also, I was not asked the details of my issue as you have stated would happen.

Regards

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