"Thank you to my doctor and her Colleagues"

A thanks to the doctor and the Springhill Practice.

I am writing today because I really wanted to recognise and thank my doctor and her colleagues at the Springhill Practice. I transferred to the practice when I moved into the area about four years ago when it was the Springfield Practice at that time.

I was introduced to the doctor and was told that I would be registered with her. I was anxious about transferring practices and doctors as I knew from my own experience of over 20 years living in London how difficult it can be to find a good GP. But I was happily surprised and really reassured from my first consultation with the doctor.. She was very caring and professional manner. It was also refreshing to find a GP willing to take a genuinely holistic approach to my health, to spend time and not feel rushed and to feel understood about my personal problems that were impacting on my health. Since that first visit the doctor always presents as genuinely interested in my physical health and emotional well-being, she remembers who I am and previous conversations we’ve had. It really is like having a family doctor again. Something that I have not felt for many years previous. She is willing to work with me in both the short term for immediate health issues and tests and in the longer term, looking at promoting good health and preventing health problems. Because of the way the practice works I have been able to see her regularly and really feel she is “my” doctor. I feel we are engaged in tackling my health issues together. The way she has really listened to my concerns eg about cholesterol levels, and has made suggestions for action, has enabled me to make some real and effective changes in my lifestyle.

She was very understanding when my partner died and helped me explore a number of support services. On another occasion when I had a very difficult time having a smear test with the practice nurse, she agreed to see me and found all sorts of ways to make the procedure less painful which was then successfully completed. At no time did she make me feel I was wasting her time which is always my worry in seeing a GP.

The practice in general has been great. I went once very, very upset, not knowing where else to turn. They were very kind, fitted me in for an appointment with a duty GP who signed me off work. I would never have had such a caring response from my last practice and would probably never have considered going there in the first place. The way the appointment system works means I can see the same doctor or have a telephone consultation and can make appointments online. All is really great and I just wanted to say thank you.

Katherine