"Truly appalling service"

Rang up first thing for an appointment for on the day or nurse triage appointment for an eczema/dermatitis complaint recurring after pause of a year or so since last incident that required GP surgery input.

Spoke to a receptionist that was blunt to the point of rudeness. Described generalised weeping, itchy eczema to both hands, both feet, and patches on leg and abdomen. Described not resolving or improving post eumovate (moderate potency steroid) use from pharmacy.

She never asked for my name, so I assume never opened or brought up my records.

Refused nurse triage as it 'wouldn't be classed as urgent' in one moment and because 'they couldn't do it if I hadn't had it for a while anyway' in the next. Given that she asked no questions about my condition, duration etc., didn't take my name, didn't pause to ask a senior etc. and given the history above I don't believe that this was a clinically accurate or appropriate determination.

No 'on the day appointments' either, apparently. Offered me a single doctor appointment in a few days time. I couldn't make that one due to work commitments. No alternative was offered or available.

As a matter of necessity triage does start with reception (as they are the first point of contact) it should not end there.

There has been a steady, general decline in the surgery as evidenced (at least in part) by the recent Ipsos MORI conducted GP Patient survey.