"Excellent Practice"

I saw GP before Christmas and was treated as always with complete dignity and respect. Referal was prompt, and after examination by consultant and on going planned treatment an additional request by letter was made for an Ultra sound too. I always have copies of all letters sent to myself and gained an appointment the following day to discuss further the consultant's letter. The Ultrasound referal was made immediately although it was explained that it's about 6 weeks from hospital and if I'd not heard by then to return to GP.

This prompt service is not unusual, and I have been a patient since the practice started on the Island.

The receptionists have always been helpful and understanding and when there has on the rare occasion been no appointments available have tried to get an addtional note to doc, and then called me back. This has ranged from "please call 111 for advice" (and that lead to either an ambulance or being driven by a friend to A&E) or to "not worry try walk in GP if concerned or come back tomorrow". Never have I felt totally helpless, which when living alone with no local family is important.

Occasionally repeat prescriptions have not been ready, but then as my medication is vital for my hemiplegic migraines, and not easy to get and nearly always need to be ordered, I have taken responsibility to ensure I always have a small amount in reserve to allow for various delays.

The practice has just appointed an additional female doctor, who greatly impressed me with my first visit.

Blood tests are carried out "painlessly" and expertly, and rarely have I met anyone else who could do as well.

I know many Islanders have complained, but I have seen them be unsimpathetic towards receptionists, when all appointments have gone; shout because they don't want to wait 2 working days for a repeat prescription because they didn't plan ahead and have run out.

In most cases such angst could be avoided with some forthought.

I would recommend the practice without any reservations.