In praise of my GP surgery.

Excellent and good to hear, our surgery have been brilliant during all the challenges they’ve faced. I’m pleased for you.

My surgery and DH's surgery have both been excellent despite the restrictions. We've both had excellent care.

How lovely to hear praise for GPs. As the mother of a GP it cheers me up.

I've mentioned on here, a few times, how good our Surgery is. A few weeks ago my daughter was sent home from work feeling quite ill. She rang and spoke to the the receptionist at 10.30, a Doctor rang her back at 11.05 and she was seen at 11.40. We seriously can't grumble at the service they are providing.

That’s good to hear!

Yep, we have a great surgery too - I have a congenital disability and have received excellent care throughout the pandemic. I would also like to speak in praise of our local hospital . I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in September 2019 which has got steadily worse, and the medication has been changed a few times in response to different things. My consultant has seen me on a regular basis throughout the pandemic and I’ve had prompt treatment throughout. I hear a lot about the NHS being so far behind because of Covid, and that people are having to wait in distress for treatment. I really do feel for anyone in this position and am very thankful to have been so lucky.

Our surgery has also been brilliant during this crisis. As well as carrying on with daily duties, they were also a vaccination, still are, centre. Some video consultation in the beginning and now triage, but always a Dr when required. Cannot praise them enough, also my local hospital. Sad to hear some have had less than good care.

Health care here is largely DIY, their guiding principle is “Make them wait long enough and half will be dead before we actually have to see them”
Please send us your postcode so we can all move to where a GP’s surgery still functions.

I've been lucky enough not to have needed too many of their services but, when I have, they've come up with the goods in unusual but nonetheless satisfactory ways for me.

I couldn't agree more watermeadow. After the appalling treatment by the staff at our surgery this week, I am at screaming pitch.

My surgery is also very good. I rang a few days ago about something, was seen yesterday and referred on.

Almost impossible to get a response from our surgery which until COVID was excellent. Very disappointing.

My surgery was poor before Covid, so no hope now!

Another one who agrees with Watermelon. Our surgery is terrible and it is impossible to get even a phone consultation. What are face to face??

Why is there so much variation between different surgeries? They must be working to the same rules.

My daughter and I have different surgeries (she decided to leave to go somewhere 'better'). My surgery is still excellent. They've got an online contact system which is a bit flaky, BUT very fast responses on it and quite easy to get a face to face appointment. And submitting a query online is so much easier than having to call repeatedly, not getting through and having to call back.

My daughters surgery however. Abysmal. Almost impossible to get an appointment even for my grandson when he had quite a bad infection.

So even in the same place, the difference between GP surgeries is huge.

Having defended our surgery on here I’m afraid they really let us down the other day. Not only was a prescription not ready for collection but the member of staff responsible had her mask round her chin and then dispensed the medication without getting it double checked. Maybe because of the pandemic such safety measures have been dropped? Very disappointed in them. Had DH not made a point of asking the name of the person who told him when it would have been ready he would have been told to go back the following day. This was on top of a blood test form (required before the medication could be re prescribed) wasn’t sent to our house as requested. It’s always a good idea, when speaking to someone on the phone, to ask their name. Not just to complain but to thank them if they do a good job. DH always does it because he worked in sales and it often pays off.

silverlining48

Why is there so much variation between different surgeries? They must be working to the same rules.

GP surgeries are independent businesses each in their own right. Clearly some are better business managers than others...

I hope that you have sent a card or brief letter to say thank you to the GP and staff at the surgery.
Like all medical staff, they've had a tough time and being expected to be everything to everyone is exhausting!
Just a brief thank you will make it all seem worthwhile.

You hear the bad comments, but not very often the good comments.
They see thousands of people a year,many of those thousands of people don't find it a bad experience.
Glad to hear your positive outcome

We have a wonderful GP surgery and Mr J has had exemplary service from our local hospital. Yes it is a great idea to send a note saying thank you, I am sure it means so much to all involved in your care.

We have sent a number of thank you’s to surgery and hospitals over the years, as well as to the council about our hardworking street cleaner a while ago now. (Haven't seen a street cleaner for quite some time). It never hurts to do this, to balance all the complaints, but too few do.
Today I heard that my surgery has ( at last) sent on my hospital referral. So thank you surgery.

Thanks Blinko, I have wondered....

My local surgery has been brilliant. I call at 8 am & a doctor calls usually by 9 pm. Twice after the phone call they have said come down and see me now. No complaints at all.