"The best GP experience I have had."

I am normally very dubious about going to the GP but on this occasion I felt I ought to make the visit. I called for an appointment at 1.30pm on a Monday and was seen at 2.45pm that afternoon. My optician had picked up a problem at the back of one of my eyes and having looked into it I was aware that it could be caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. The GP confirmed my blood pressure was exceptionally high. They were very understanding when I refused to be sent to hospital and after sitting quietly for half an hour or so my blood pressure dropped to a more acceptable level treatable by tablets, which I gladly accepted.

The GP recommended blood tests, ECG and Chest X-ray to ensure that there was no further damage caused by the high blood pressure. They also contacted an optician and arranged for me to have an eye test to check the back of my eyes to confirm whether or not I had a problem. I visited the optician at 4pm the same day and was told that I did not have any problem with either eye. The optician was just as efficient and understanding as the GP To say that I was relieved is an understatement . I have since joined the opticians list and again I could not have received better care.

The following morning I had a blood test at the surgery followed by a health check and ECG on the Thursday morning. The following Thursday I had a Chest X ray at Cov & Warwick which was excellent and avoided parking problems at Walsgrave which everyone dreads. The staff at the hospital were all wonderful, chatty and relaxed which helped enormously. Thankfully all the tests came back ok with no major problems except slightly raised sugar and salt levels in the blood test which is very strange as I do not have sugar or salt in my diet and my cholesterol level was 6 however the GP would like it to be 5 so I am working on that. I monitored my blood pressure after 1 week and the tablets have helped to bring it down to an average of 140 over 70 which is where it should be.

A massive result from just one tiny tablet a day. I now feel far more energetic and able to cope with a busy life, it's like a fog has lifted, I never realised how much blood pressure can affect day to day life, although we are all aware that it can cause heart attacks and strokes.

From start to finish I could not have had better care even if I had been a private patient.

In the past I have had very negative experiences with GPs at the practice but that is in the past and the new regime is very efficient but caring as well.

I can honestly say that although I will not be visiting the GP for the simplest of things, I will have no hesitation in calling for help, advice or an appointment in the future. Everyone from receptionists at the first point of call, the nurses carrying out blood tests etc and the GPs are to be commended for improving the surgery, both the building and the service.

Thank you Allesley Village Surgery from a very happy patient.