"Poor Reception Service & Lack of Appointments"

I am a newly diagnosed diabetic. I attended a diabetes hospital appointment yesterday and my blood pressure was found to be high despite it being checked twice an hour apart. I was advised by my diabetic nurse at the hospital that they would be writing a letter and faxing it to my GP by the end of the day. The nurse advised me that I needed to see my GP this week in about 3 days time regarding my blood pressure as it needs to be monitored and possibly treated especially with my diabetes.

As it is extremely difficult to get appointments, I thought I would pop into the surgery rather than calling. I don't have to give the reception staff in depth reasons for my request but I chose to in the hope that I would receive the assistance I required. I was dealt with my a rude receptionist who wasn't able to provide me with any appointments this week. The receptionist talked about appointments with the diabetic nurse and I had to reiterate that I required an appointment with a GP not the diabetic nurse. The receptionist went to check if the fax had arrived and as it hadn't they advised there was nothing they could do.

I asked to speak to a Manager, the receptionist spoke to theirmanager (the manager didn't come to see me as requested) and advised me that what they had advised stood, there were no appointments. I wasn't even offered an appointment with a clinician or anything.

The final straw was the receptionist telling me they were just doing their job with a swarmy smile which I found extremely offensive and upsetting. The receptionist lack of assistance and compassion resulted me to tears and I left without an appointment!

I have called this morning for an appointment to be advised there are none left. I was advised to call back at 8am tomorrow for an appointment on Monday!