"Shingles"

'Quite unable to obtain appointment to see GP  in the foreseeable future when severe back and neck  pain was experienced  early in the week. By Saturday morning a blistery rash had developed.

Due to pain and discomfort I sought advice (at 09:20 Hrs.) of  pharmacist (pharmacy  attached to the GPs surgery). I was advised to see a doctor a.s.a.p. As it happened that the surgery was actually open (with an empty waiting area)  and I explained to the receptionist my need to see a doctor. While sympathetic, the receptionist stated that they had been told  to admit only those who  having pre-arranged appointments. Upon my urging, the receptionist did leave their desk and go to consult someone. They returned with the advice that I should go to A&E.

I then drove to the small local hospital, this having a limited A&E/minor injuries unit. I was sympathetically received and after brief examination, advised that I needed to be seen by a doctor  but, unfortunately, none was presently on duty at the hospital. Having recounted that I had been to the GP's surgery and found it open but unable to see me, a member of the hospital staff then attempted to call the surgery, only to hear an  answerphone message stating that it was closed. It was then suggested that I call 111.

However, before calling 111, I returned to the GPs surgery, where the waiting room was again empty, and stated that I had been to A&E , again advised that I needed be seen by a doctor but that none was presently on duty.  I was again advised by the GP's receptionist that I could not be seen without an appointment. They did however offer the use of a 'phone to call 111.  I elected to make the call when back at my home. 

By the time I reached home, some  two hours had been fruitlessly spent seeking help. I then called 111 to be treated with faultless concern and thorough analysis of problem/symptoms, etc. The conclusion was that I needed to see a doctor; that one would be asked to call a.s.a.p. I received a return call approximately 2 hours later and was offered an as immediate as possible appointment with a doctors' surgery some 15 miles distant where I was seen immediately upon arrival. I received concerned examination, positive conclusion and prescription for relevant medication.

111 and 24-hour doctor service MARVELLOUS..