The Clapton Surgery
HS
Hamza S. 10 years ago • From Google
Bad
I received a medical exemption form from a qualified doctor instead of a maternity exemption for my partner. On the same day I paid for the prescription and got a receipt to claim it back when the exemption card arrived. However, the form was returned to me after paying postage charges and sending it to the NHS. When I contacted the exemption team, I was told the form was incomplete. The NHS confirmed this, stating the doctor didn't mention my wife's pregnancy or provide a reason for exemption. I was informed the wrong form was issued and that I couldn't claim back the costs as it was now September, and they wouldn't backdate to August. I complained to Clapton Surgery and met Shaz, the clinic manager, who provided the correct form. Initially, she was reluctant to pay postage, but eventually agreed after I pointed out it was their mistake. When I asked how a qualified doctor could make such an error, she blamed the nurses and midwives, claiming it wasn't the doctor's responsibility. This infuriated me, especially considering a previous incident with Dr. Sarwat Shariff, the main GP, who had stressed me by threatening me during a flu symptoms appointment. I had simply made a complaint about staff, but instead of addressing it, he threatened to remove me from the surgery. I advised him to review the phone recording before accusing me of inappropriate behaviour. Their unprofessional approach of issuing a final warning instead of addressing my complaint was deeply upsetting. They should have focused on the doctor who issued the incorrect form rather than penalizing me. While Shaz promised to escalate the complaint, I doubt anything will actually be done.
Tashi S.