JB

Joe B. 11 months ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

E-consult system leaves you stuck between services

I have supported this practice for a long time as I had not encountered significant problems previously. However, I now find myself agreeing with many other reviewers that the service has become inadequate. If you are considering registering with a surgery, I would recommend looking elsewhere. The practice referred me to a pharmacist, who indicated I needed to see my GP, who then suggested I contact the pharmacist again, creating a frustrating circular situation. While the e-consultation system is a promising concept and functions adequately in many cases, when issues arise it becomes very difficult to resolve and leaves you feeling stuck. Additionally, I felt that some (though not all) of the reception staff appeared to overstep their role. I submitted two e-consultations recently, both of which asked whether I wished to speak to someone specific. Given my frustration at that point, I requested a particular clinician or another doctor with relevant expertise to contact me. Instead, I received two calls from reception staff. When I asked follow-up questions related to my e-consultation (which I had mentioned in my original submission), the receptionist was unable to answer and had to consult with the clinical staff member, who appeared to be nearby. This raised the question of why the clinician had not called me directly as I had requested, rather than having the receptionist make the call. I was informed that the specific clinician I needed had a lengthy waiting list. When I asked if I could be added to this list and flagged as available for cancellations, I was told this was not possible and that I would need to telephone daily to check for cancellations. This seems impractical, as most people cannot reasonably spend 40 minutes in a telephone queue each day only to be asked to try again the following day. As a result, I have decided to transfer myself and my family to a better-organised practice.

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