Cowes Medical Centre
NA
Nun A. 4 years ago • From Google
Poor
Unfortunately since the pandemic, it has been cited as a reason for many service limitations. For example, there appears to be inconsistency in whether clinical staff provide in-person appointments compared to remote consultations. I recently visited the practice website which displayed a notice about high call volumes, recommending the online consultation service or afternoon calls. I was pleased to see this option available, but when I attempted to access it, I received a message indicating it was not currently offered at my practice. This was confusing. When I previously contacted the practice following a remote consultation where my initial treatment had not resolved my concern, I requested an in-person appointment and was declined. Only after I mentioned an upcoming procedure the following week and expressed concern about potential complications was I then advised to attend in person. The sudden change in availability was unclear to me. Regarding my flu vaccination, I was simply told I would be placed on a waiting list with no indication of the timeframe involved. Last year, I noticed that a friend who is younger and without my health considerations was invited for their flu jab, whilst I received no contact and had to arrange it elsewhere. Similarly, younger acquaintances at different practices have been contacted for their Covid booster, whereas I was not contacted and had to book independently, though there is a considerable wait. It is disappointing that patients, who are ultimately funding this service through taxation, appear to be experiencing genuine difficulties at present without clear communication regarding the reasons for these challenges.
Emma G.