"Lack of Continuity"

Having been unwell since April I have been bounced from GP to GP. Several of the Doctors I have seen have showed a lack of empathy and understanding and I have been left feeling very low as a result of this. It is such a relief when you finally see a GP that is caring, supportive and understanding but your hopes are quickly dashed when you realise it is highly unlikely you will ever get to see them again. On three occasions I was told by staff I must see my own GP which I had tried to do time and time again yet no appointments were available through reception, phone or online. Most of the reception staff (apart from the occasional rude one) try their best to reassure and apologise for the lack of appointments available but the overall message is unless it is a medical emergency you don’t need an appointment! Surely I would attend A&E if it was a medical emergency? What has happened to the caring, compassionate service where you didn’t have to stress and feel uncomfortable about trying to see a GP and when you did see them they were kind and understanding even if your arm wasn’t hanging off!

I have spoken to friends who live in other parts of Plymouth and their experience of going to the doctors is a completely different scenario, just like Plympton Medical Practice used to be!

If it were at all possible I would change surgeries but unfortunately the whole of Plympton is now part of the Beacon Group.

All I can do is live in hope that a huge review of Beacon Medical Practice will take place which results in many many changes starting with patient care.

You should not have to attend a GP practice and come out feeling overall worse than when you arrived.