DR

David R. 4 years ago • From Google

Rating

Bad

Reception blocked urgent stitch removal appointment

I attended an accident and emergency department at a hospital where I received stitches for a head wound following a fall. I was advised that the stitches would need to be removed within the following week to prevent potential complications. When I contacted the practice to arrange this, I was informed that only a specific staff member could perform this procedure and that they were unavailable until mid-November. When I questioned why an alternative clinician could not assist, I was told that all doctors were busy and suggested I visit a walk-in centre instead. I found this response frustrating and inefficient. Despite being given clear clinical advice about the timing of follow-up care, I encountered significant barriers to accessing the recommended appointment. The staffing levels did not appear to translate into improved efficiency or flexibility. While I acknowledge that the clinical staff I did interact with were professional and competent, my overall experience with the appointment booking process fell well short of what I would expect. I was disappointed by the apparent gatekeeping around access to care and felt that my concerns were not being taken seriously. I would have rated this experience very poorly based on the administrative handling, though I recognise that the clinical care itself was adequate. I have concerns about whether feedback of this nature reaches those in management positions or whether it is properly escalated for review.

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