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"Rude reception staff, jumping through hoops just to see a doctor"

About: NHS Lanarkshire

(as a service user),

I've been a patient with Logan practice since moving to Wishaw in 2000.

I'd like to point out that the doctors themselves are usually always helpful, easy to talk to, and quick to diagnose and identify the problem. I completely understand that GP's are under immense pressure to see more and more people, and that the surgery too is under pressure to ensure patient care meets expectations. I'd also like to point out that, I have used the emergency appointments (where you call up at 8am and ask to see a doctor that day) and have mostly had a good experience with those, however, it is with my on-going issue that I have a problem with this surgery. 

My main issue above all else is the rude reception staff I have come across. This was particularly bad when the surgery was across the street in the smaller building, and I raised a complaint directly with the NHS regarding one of the members of reception, however, never heard anything back. Since moving to the new building though, I can't say it's gotten much better. One member of reception staff is polite enough, if a bit short at times, however, it's other members of staff who come across as rude, aloof, and I feel they are annoyed by your presence or questions. Three times in one day, recently, I had to deal with reception staff and all three of those times, and I felt they were rude, unapologetic and dismissive. 

Most recently though, when picking up a repeat prescription that was supposed to be for a month, I found I only had 14 tablets and a note from the doctor saying that a medication review was required and that if I didn't book an appointment within the next month, they would not authorise the medication again. First of all, that would've been fine if I'd been given the month's worth of tablets as required, however, I was given 2 weeks, meaning I needed to get an appointment within those 2 weeks as I need my medication. I've called about 6 times in the past 10 days, only to be told that all appointments have been given out and to call back the next day. The receptionist hasn't even taken my name, or asked for the reason for the call. I've requested both a telephone appointment and a face to face appointment and each time been told there are none available. How can I have a medication review to carry on with my medication if I can't see or speak to a GP in the timeframe given and within the number of days for which I do have medication for? 

I'm honestly at my wits end with this whole situation and am actively looking in to switching to a different surgery because I'm assured by family and friends who've had to deal with me complaining about this that this is not how their surgery, reception staff and doctors would treat a patient. 

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Responses

Response from Laura Jack, Service Manager, Specialist Children's Health Services Unit (SCSHU) inc. Paediatric & CAMHS, NHS Lanarkshire 6 years ago
Laura Jack
Service Manager, Specialist Children's Health Services Unit (SCSHU) inc. Paediatric & CAMHS,
NHS Lanarkshire
Submitted on 26/10/2017 at 13:45
Published on Care Opinion at 16:40


picture of Laura Jack

Dear AnExasperatedPatient,

Thanks for getting in touch. The experiences you have described sound very frustrating and indeed exasperating.


GP's are independent contractors and so are responsible for investigating and responding directly about any concerns a patient may have about their services, however that said I can assist you in contacting the GP Practice.

Hopefully there will be something they can do to assist you in getting your much needed appointment within two weeks.

If you can contact me directly I can progress for you. My number is 01698 858 321 or you can try 01698 858 292.

Alternatively you can email me at:

PatientAffairs.PrimaryCare@Lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.


Thanks

Laura

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