"I felt humiliated."

After finally being able to make an appointment for my smear test, I also booked in for my contraceptive at the same (with Roundwood Surgery, you can never get through on the phones).

I work full time and start before 8am, I also don't finish until 5pm, so I try and book appointments for school holidays as I'm a school teacher.

I was given an appointment for both my smear and contraceptive. On arrival, I went to the computer to say that I was here. I then went over to the desk to get a car parking ticket, there was only one man being spoken to at the desk. I stood there for over 15 minutes waiting to get my parking ticket whilst both receptionists had a conversation with the man, about what they were doing for Valentine's day. I was then called over the tanoy for my appointment, leaving me with no car parking ticket and the receptionist staff still talking about valentines day.

I was seen to by a nurse, who asked me if I'd like to change my contraceptive back to the pill. I declined as 9 months previous to this appointment, they had changed my pill for a 'more cost effective' one, which didn't suit me. I then had been back to the Doctors but visited the Ellesmere Road Surgery and had been recommended I went on the patch.

I had had no problems with the patch, so I told the nurses that I would like to continue on the patch. She then said that I was the only person on it, at this surgery. I said okay? She said that there were other forms of contraceptive and was I interested in them, in which I again replied that no, I was happy on the patch. She then insisted on telling me the price difference to the NHS between me being on the pill and me being on the patch. I again told the nurse that the patch suited me and that's what I would like to stay on. I was then told rather rudely that I cost the NHS £21 every 3 months and that I was one of the reasons that the NHS was in such a mess financially.

As you can Imagine, I felt humiliated and rather angry at this point. I have worked since I was 16, I pay my national insurance and taxes. I also only visit the Doctors for my contraceptive. The last time I had medication was 4 years ago, when I needed antibiotics, which may I add, I paid for, as I don't get free prescriptions.

I don't feel that the comments made by the nurse were appropriate or professional. I am sure that when I had rejected the offer of other contraceptives, twice, that it would suffice. But no, I was told that I am one of the people to blame for the NHS financial problems.

My reply to the nurse was that, I would happily pay for my contraceptive prescription if need be. She ignored me and printed my prescription off.

I would not recommend this surgery to anyone. The receptionists were unbotherd by my waiting for a ticket and the nurse felt it was okay to humiliate and blame me.

There roles are as caring professionals and yet they lack the main word. Care.