"Inadequate Service"

I went to A&E, Stafford County Hospital on Sunday, 11.2.18 regarding an infection on my foot - I was concerned about blood poisoning as red marks were starting to go up my leg.

The doctor at A&E explained that a nurse would put a dressing on, adding that I should contact a practice nurse at Earby Surgery later in the week, to arrange for a clean dressing to be put on.

I explained I was likely to have difficulty in getting an appointment - adding this always seems to be the case at Earby Surgery.

The doctor and later the nurse who applied the dressings, both expressed surprise at this and said this was unlikely, as changing a dressing was a routine procedure.

I rang at 8am, 15.2.18 and briefly explained - the member of staff told me the practice nurse had no appointments and I was told to ring "treatment rooms" in barnoldswick and colne.

This member of staff was almost rude.

When I rang Earby Surgery back approx 5 mins later, as there was no reply at the "treatment rooms (we found out they do not open until 8.30am), a member of staff was then extremely helpful.

She went out of her way to assist and managed to arrange for me to see the practice nurse at Colne.

It does seem that something is very wrong with the systems and procedures operating at Earby Surgery if it is so difficult to get an appointment, even for a routine dressing change- I overheard a receptionist saying that there were no appointments until March 18!