Unbelievable.

[Barsel]

I contacted my GP surgery during the week to say I didn't have my Shingles vaccine 5 years ago and was given an appointment for today.
Got there and not a single person in the waiting room, not 1.
The nurse came out of 1 room and went into another, then another, then she went somewhere else before coming up to me to say she can't find the vaccine, so she doesn't think they have any!
I asked if someone else might know for sure and yes, but that person was on her lunchbreak so they will get in touch with me again to make another appointment.
Must have been there a good half hour, and the only people I saw was the nurse and the receptionist.
Made me wonder if the doctors are even there, and wouldn't you think they would have checked they had the vaccine before I got there?

[ladybirder]

237sj, I'd love to know where else you would consider living outside of the UK?

[anneasquith]

Barrel, quite right in being annoyed. We are patients, who deserve a service. It’s not your job to ensure a vaccine is in the gps surgery.
I do wonder if covid is being used as an excuse for a less than best service in the NHS ( not this particular practice).

[Barsel]

It's a very different place, that's for sure Anne.
I've never seen the place so deserted.

[tonyav]

anneasquithBarrel, quite right in being annoyed. We are patients, who deserve a service. It’s not your job to ensure a vaccine is in the gps surgery.
I do wonder if covid is being used as an excuse for a less than best service in the NHS ( not this particular practice).

I wonder the same, anne.

[jennyjoan]

Barsel - it's only now I am on the computer - when I am on Ipad - can't do touch keys.

I had an appointment with my nurse today for blood pressure and bloods taken etc.

I think you and I were in the same surgery. Nobody there only the receptionist who let me in and then nurse who done the tests - nobody else (oops seen doctor in surgery - not a bird with her) - her doors were open )

When you mentioned Shingles - I had forgotten I should have gotten it in November and it was organised for that appointment in November but - when nurse looked in fridge - there were no Shingles vaccination.

But you have reminded me next appointment will be for Shingles.

Nurse lovely today - I asked her after after pressure and bloods - what happens next - she had no answer - I answered for her - oh right - I'll hear from you if anything is wrong - she said - oh that's right!

So thanks Barsel - next appointment is for Shingles (-hopefully)

[anneasquith]

Hi Tony, this is only my recent personal experience.
The NHS is indeed in dire straits. For anyone who is medically vulnerable at this time it is a scary place .

[tonyav]

It is indeed, anne. My experience of late ( not just me but people I know ) tells me that apart from covid jabs at some leisure centre or other it is extremely difficult to get a face to face appointment with a GP may get a telephone appointment but that no good if you think a GP needs to see what your problem is imo.

[anneasquith]

Scary times indeed Tony .

[tonyav]

It is indeed, anne.

[Thisoldbird]

My husband has been very poorly since before Covid. Has multiple health problems, lost 4st in weight this last 12 months.. not see hide nor hair of our GP. He will ring and prescribe just about anything I suggest but no way will he come out. We live 3 mins in a car from the surgery. A newish problem my poor man gas is possible cancer on his bald scalp !! GP sent resident paramedic to take photos of the scalp. Made fast track appointment with Dermatology .
Here is is told another fast track appointment will be made for biopsy..not the 2 weeks as requested but 6 weeks by the time he gets it next week.
I'm sickened by the GP attitude.

[bednobs]

sorry TOB, but i can't see that as anything other than fantastic - your GP sends a professional OUT TO YOUR HOUSE rather than making your very unwell husband come to the surgery, looks at the photo (which is exactly what the GP would see with their own eyes if they were there) and then makes the referral.

[New Judge]

//I do wonder if covid is being used as an excuse for a less than best service in the NHS//

And I wonder whether bears defecate in the woods and whether the Pope follows the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.