"Shocking"

I received a text to remind me I needed a blood test. I rang Orchard medical to make an appointment only to be told they operate a drop in session every morning “ just turn up between these times and register your arrival with reception”.

So up I go this morning 9.40 am..... huge queue for receptionist.... everyone moaning!

After a 20 minute wait(I have a serious walking difficulties) so standing around is not enjoyable, I get to front of queue only to be told the blood test “list” is closed,it’s full.

I quote what I was told on the phone, I was pleasant but firm and the receptionist used her discretion and booked me an appointment for next week.

This obviously means yet another treck to the surgery.

Every time I need an appointment with nurse or doctor it feels like a battle.

Nothing here seems patient focused.

Reception seem understaffed. All the patients in the queue today were disgruntled, saying how difficult it is to get anything from the surgery. One elderly lady had been asked by her Gp to have a blood test.... she was told “no” come back another day.

Her daughter brought her to the surgery on her day off work, only to be told come back another day. Really really not good enough.

The surgery cannot and should not tell patients it’s a drop in service and then refuse to see you when you turn up.