Victoria Medical Centre
SS
Steph S. 2 years ago • From Google
Bad
I'm struggling to know where to begin. My son is 14 years old. We relocated to the area two years ago after leaving a practice we were very satisfied with, and have found the experience here quite disappointing. I've contacted the surgery on nine separate occasions over the course of a year and a half, but my son has been unable to secure an appointment despite repeated attempts. There was one particularly difficult occasion last year when I felt we urgently needed to be seen, but an appointment could not be arranged, and my son subsequently required a week-long hospital admission. I called the surgery yesterday regarding a rash that had appeared on my son's hands and arms. Given his history of a skin condition that can sometimes cause significant reactions, I felt it warranted medical attention. I was told an appointment could not be offered that day but that I could be added to a list for the following day, with the possibility of a callback from a clinician. I kept my phone available throughout the day, but the call did not materialise. When I rang back to enquire about the callback, I was informed the staff member had left for the day. I waited until today expecting contact, but none came. When I called at midday, I was told there were no available appointments for my son for at least a week, and even then the appointment would not be at this surgery. It seems a child presenting with a rash is not considered a priority for an appointment. I'm uncertain whether this rash is related to his existing skin condition or something else entirely, which is precisely why medical assessment would be helpful. As a result, I will be taking him to the hospital instead, as it appears the surgery does not regard this as urgent enough to warrant an appointment. I find it frustrating that we're advised to call before 10am for same-day appointments when none are available for the following week. I've rarely felt compelled to plead for anything, but during that call I found myself practically begging for any appointment, however brief. If a child with a rash cannot be seen, I'm uncertain what conditions would be considered suitable for an appointment. Now we will spend hours in accident and emergency for what might have been addressed in primary care. I would caution other families about accessing this practice and would encourage anyone with concerns about their child's health to seek alternative options.
MICHAEL G.