"Reception more interested in lunch than..."

On Monday the 15th October 2018, my mother called the surgery for help as she was experiencing chronic back pain. She was treated with respect and professionalism and her GP prescribed her with what she believed my mother would need to ease the pain. As my mother was unable to make the journey to the surgery herself due to her condition, she asked me to go instead, which I was happy to do. I spoke to the GP and told her I would be collecting the prescription and would be there shortly. It was a 20 minute drive and when I arrived, the surgery was closed. There were people in the office area, clearly visible from where I was standing, (as it is approximately 10 feet from the front door where I was standing, to the reception desk), so I rang the bell and asked if I could just collect the prescription that was waiting for me. I was greeted by a very curt voice over the intercom informing me that the surgery was closed until 14:00. (It was now 13:25). As I could see at least three people moving around, I explained that I hadn't been informed that the surgery would be closed over lunch and could I please just be given the prescription at the door. I was once again informed that the surgery was closed until 14:00. That was that. So I waited at the door outside the surgery, for 35 minutes, in full view of the reception desk and everyone in the office. At precisely 14:00, the door to the surgery was opened by the receptionist and I was allowed to enter. The prescription that I had gone to collect was right there on the desk waiting for me to collect it. I accepted it and then explained how I work for the prison service and I wouldn't treat the prisoners the way this surgery had treated me. They left me standing at the door for 35 minutes, when it would have taken them less than 30 seconds to bring me the prescription. If a prisoner was ringing their cell bell and I happened to be on my lunch break, I would still respond to it. And if it was a simple request for paper, I would still take it to them. Yes, it might interrupt my lunch for a few minutes, but it's all about duty of care and respect for others. The staff at the front desk of

Ravenscroft Medical surgery have obviously forgotten about duty of care to their patients, and they have very little respect. After telling the receptionist how I felt about my treatment, she asked me if I had rung the bell when I first arrived! My mother has been a patient of the surgery for over 50 years and has been happy overall with her care. However, some staff need to think about their actions and perhaps choose a profession where caring for people is not a requirement.