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GP problems

gazzab

Active Member
Messages
31
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Hi

I have a problem with my GP I was allowed to go without duloxetine after ordering too early which I was advised to order well in advance due to COVID
After this I was switched to gabapentin which didn’t help and the side effects were severe including sever dizziness. I was moved to pregablin which I ordered again tablets ran out doctor never called me when they said they would luckily I have only just gone on to them so no withdrawal symptoms and even though my peripheral neuropathy is agony the GP refused to prescribe any painkillers. I have decided enough is enough and changing doctors. On diabetic review all they did was take blood and blood pressure. I was considering reporting them to the NHS or is this just a waste of time and to move surgeries. I don’t even want to complain because it’s effected me but also for the people who it could effect in the future. Any advise or words of words soon would be nice now my feet are very swollen but I can’t get an appointment until 5th June

thanks
 
Lodging an official complaint is the obvious option but that would result in breaking down any remaining goodwill between you and the doctor and the surgery staff. I would suggest you go ahead with your complaint and at the same time change your surgery. It’s difficult finding a good surgery but you could try going by your friends and neighbours’ recommendations.
 
Bluetit1802 said:
How about the first port of call for a complaint - the practice manager?
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Tried that it was after a brush in with a receptionist that simply wasn’t helping and in fact making it worse a good receptionist is damaging a bad one kills a surgery. The practise manager refused to speak at first and after agreeing had the attitude of don’t like it then go somewhere else so I am using that option
 
Since I registered to be online a few years ago I haven't had any contact with receptionists. Incidentally the NHS app (not the Covid one) works fine for appointments, repeat prescriptions etc.
 
Find out if the surgery has an active PPG (Patient Participation Group) and let them know of your problems. The Practice Manager sounds terrible - ours is very good.
 
Mr_Pot said:
Since I registered to be online a few years ago I haven't had any contact with receptionists. Incidentally the NHS app (not the Covid one) works fine for appointments, repeat prescriptions etc.
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i am online appointment situation is worse than phoning honestly in my opinion the nhs workers deserve a medal for their work during COVID but gp surgeries deserve nothing but scorn
 
gazzab said:
i am online appointment situation is worse than phoning honestly in my opinion the nhs workers deserve a medal for their work during COVID but gp surgeries deserve nothing but scorn
Click to expand...

Please don't generalise! Ours remains good, and as they have been doing vaccinations in the surgery, and sending GPs and nurses out to all the many nursing and care homes in the borough they have been more than busy and more than stressed. We had both our vaccinations at the surgery, as have many thousands of other residents, saving us all the frustration of having to travel to the main hub 12 miles away. They don't offer appointments on line right now, but if we ring the receptionist for one we get to speak to a GP on the phone, and if he feels he needs to see us he will make an appointment.

I understand your anger at your particular surgery, but they aren't all bad!
 
For years I have had lots of problems with my gp.
On the advice and help from my pdoc, I had a meeting with the ccq to put in a complaint.
I was scared and very nervous to do this but my pdoc was brilliant.
At the moment, can't go into too much detail, I am glad I have done this.
 
gazzab said:
i am online appointment situation is worse than phoning honestly in my opinion the nhs workers deserve a medal for their work during COVID but gp surgeries deserve nothing but scorn
Click to expand...
Mine has worked throughout. One GP had 40 patients in her working DAY. If we wanted call centre GPs then we are doing a good attempt at a transition! Myself I'd never want a call centre GP. The face to face patients fair much better. Ask anyone who have used on-line messaging websites. No video calls just text messages.
 
I too, had huge issues with my surgery and eventually changed my medical practice. Is there a Community Health Council where you live? If so, contact them and get them to investigate. is there a Diabetic Patients` reference Group in your area? do you have a DSN ? -Diabetic Specialist Nurse -some or all of these may be able to help. Most of all KEEP GOING don`t let those who know little or nothing about diabetes affect your health, "You are better than that"!!!!!
 
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