"Not able to deliver front line service when..."

I don't often visit a GP - thankfully: I had two reasons recently, one of which was addressed in a timely manner however getting the results and trying to book a follow up appointment was difficult.

My most recent need for a visit fell very short. I fell down some stairs injuring my chest, lower back and scraping most of the skin off my right shin. I tried for two days to get an appointment without success. My leg has a large area of damage, I tried to find a dressing from local Chemists without success so just applied a antiseptic cream. I had two days off work. I was also taking over the counter pills. Eventually, I had to visit A&E as the discomfort was getting worse: X-ray, ultra-sound and a through examination later my injuries were just soft tissue and open wound with no damage internally. My wound was dressed, tablets prescribed with advise to visit GP for a dressing change and evaluation every two days.

Again I tried to make an appointment two days later without success, the dressing had come adrift by this time (bandage) despite my best efforts. I was unable to make an appointment throughout the week so went back to self medicating. Towards the end of week I became aware things were not good: open wound and surrounding area had become infected, so another trip to A&E. They confirmed my concerns and cleaned the wound redressed and provided a strong Antibiotic, again with advice to visit GP for continuing assessment and redressing. A&E also provided me with a letter to inform my GP. I have tried to make an appointment today but got the usual: non available. If I can't get one tomorrow it will have to be the Walk-In Centre.

The receptionist is not very helpful or pleasant, I get the impression she does not want to be there: no consideration towards customers!

Previously, I was due to have a camera down my throat (Reflux) to investigate the issue as I had been taking medication for several years. Due to work commitments (working away from home) I missed a couple of visits to Hospital: the appointments arrived via letter two days before I was required to attend...

When I tried to book a third visit the receptionist stated It had to be within two weeks when cancer was suspected.... This was the FIRST time the word Cancer had been mentioned to me, I was extremely alarmed and expressed this during the telephone conversation. The receptionist was very dismissive: I asked to speak to the Practice Manager - Who was not available. I visited the surgery on my way home 5pm to speak to someone but no-one was available and sent away. I was unable to speak to anyone before my visit to Hospital four days later: thankfully it was not cancer, but I had the worry buzzing around my head for four days.

I feel my recent infection could have been avoided if I could have obtained an appointment. The worry caused by improper communication was just unacceptable!