AA

Anonymous A. 2 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Long phone queues and poor communication throughout

I contacted the surgery on a weekday requesting a telephone consultation for medication. After waiting in a queue, I was directed to the prescription line. The staff member I spoke with stated they did not handle medication matters. When I called the prescription line, they indicated I should contact the surgery instead. I phoned the surgery again and was told I would be notified when the prescription was authorised, with communication promised via text or email. Neither notification arrived. Subsequent calls to both the surgery and pharmacy went unanswered. I visited the pharmacy after work and waited considerably to learn they had received nothing from the surgery. Given my work commitments involving long shifts, I simply needed confirmation of prescription status to avoid unnecessary waiting. The situation escalated when I experienced significant discomfort and took time off work to attend an eye care facility. The pain was severe. When I spoke with reception staff today to raise concerns about this experience, I was not offered an apology. I felt this was warranted given the service I received, particularly as this is not an isolated incident at this surgery. I have experienced similar issues on multiple occasions. During my Thursday call, when I asked about prescription status, I was told this was a pharmacy matter, placed on hold, and the call disconnected. The interaction felt dismissive. I recognise that some patients can manage these situations independently by visiting the pharmacy themselves. However, I am concerned about vulnerable and elderly patients who may lack the ability to resolve such issues independently. The approach and manner displayed by reception staff during these interactions raises concerns about the standard of patient care and accessibility of services for those with limited mobility or resources.

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