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"Refused access to doctor"

About: Apex Medical Centre

My doctor told me I could ring and leave a message and he would call me back at any time. I am just in remission from stage 4 cancer that the surgery missed and as a result am permanently disabled and use a walking stick/wheelchair. My partner of 30 years has recently been diagnosed with early onset AZ. He is not allowed to drive and I can't at the moment. His benefits have been suspended following medical a to increase it. He has a very bad cold that appears to have infected his chest and he finds it difficult to breathe even with his inhaler as he has high blood pressure. We had £5.00 awaiting my benefits. Medicine from the chemist cost £10.00. He went to ask for a same day appointment and was refused. I called to ask that my doctor call me back. I was told that as he had not noted this in my file the staff would not pass the message on. The practice manager decided this. I was told we should go to a walk in clinic, the nearest one around 6 miles away or call medoc after 6.30 who are located at the maritime, some 4-5 miles away. I again explained we had no money for a taxi and I could not let my partner go alone as he gets lost and buses would not take my wheelchair and it was raining. The surgery is 5 minutes from us. When I said I was worried my partner would get worse without medication and I may have to call an ambulance costing the Nhs a lot more money than us seeing the doctor on an emergency appointment I was again advised to go elsewhere or make an appointment the following morning. We are both mid sixties and my chemotherapy, which finished 6 months ago has left me with a low immune system. The surgery were not concerned with this information.

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Responses

Response from Apex Medical Centre 5 years ago
Apex Medical Centre
Submitted on 25/06/2018 at 15:47
Published on nhs.uk at 16:06


Thank you for your review.

All of our calls are recorded and I have listened to the transcript and discussed direct with the doctor.

We make plans based on the information we receive from patients.

On this occasion, having listened to your call regarding your partners medical issue, you stated that he had been assessed and was recommended cough mixture.

Cough mixture is one of the products no longer supplied by the NHS.

I'm sure you are aware that the demands on the GPs time at present is excessive and as such, we have to ensure that access to the GP is appropriate. We always try to assist wherever we can and I understand that during your partners appointment with the GP the following day, the doctor reassured you that should a patient with your disease picture, personally have a medical issue, he will be available.

Should you wish to discuss further, I am happy to take your call.

Kind regards, Hayley, Practice Manager.

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