SJ

Shameen J. 4 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Nhs surgery frustration with endless phone queues

I deeply respect and appreciate the NHS - and for the most part, Tower House Surgery have been supportive towards me. The medical staff are excellent. However, I find the 8am or 2pm call system completely illogical when attempting to see or speak with a doctor. It seems to create unnecessary stress for staff and additional distress for patients who are already unwell. As others have noted, one encounters an absurd caller queue - and when I hear Dr Foord's recorded message cautioning against rudeness to staff, I can't help but feel the entire system is deliberately designed to provoke frustration, unhappiness, and potential patient irritation towards the phone staff. Something has completely ASTOUNDED! me, compelling me to invest time writing this review and leaving me thoroughly angry and upset... ...specifically, after calling Tower House at 12.40 to relay that NHS 111 requested I contact the surgery about speaking to a GP within two hours, I was instructed to call back at 2 - because the surgery closes at 1pm and the subsequent two hours fall in the 'after 2pm period'. I am utterly shocked and bewildered. I had already endured a queue to speak with the receptionist. After the standard two-minute Coronavirus warning, Dr Foord's repeated 'don't be rude to our staff' message - which I've heard for three consecutive days... while waiting in a queue sometimes nine people deep... In desperation, I turned to NHS 111, who demonstrate kindness and gentleness, instructing me to contact the surgery immediately... only to have the receptionist refuse to take a message for the after-2pm team. Concluding the call with: 'Call back at 2 Okay? Thank you. Bye.' I urge you to review the recording. Now, I must restart the entire phone process and re-enter that massive queue. What outcome awaits me, I wonder. Dr Foord, as you depart, isn't it telling that you've needed to leave a recording requesting callers not to be rude to your staff? I've been ill for three days, deteriorating, feeling scared, in pain, and alone - desperately seeking help I've financially supported through decades of tax contributions. I've genuinely valued your surgery, and as mentioned, your medical team has been remarkable. But right now, I'm profoundly distressed. Yesterday, I navigated past nine people, only to encounter a receptionist eager to expedite my interaction with 'a nurse will call back, here's a photo link, and if you miss the call, you'll restart the entire process'. Sick and mentally foggy, I had to recall and re-queue to communicate my needs. Will this detailed account prompt any meaningful change? I remain skeptical.

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