Shocked by practice care
After reading Mr D L Barnett’s letter regarding the difficulties on getting a doctor’s appointment, I’ve experienced the same procedure.
With great difficulty I took myself to the Wellington Medical Practice, I have been a patient ever since it opened, which is 40 years plus. I rarely visit the doctor, only on emergencies, as I was a doctor myself. As I was so ill I considered an emergency visit, I had severe difficulty in breathing, really weak, my legs were like jelly.
I arrived at the surgery for 8.30am, third in the queue, go to the reception desk clutching my chest, finding it difficult to even speak, begging to see a doctor. The receptionist had no care, compassion or understanding whatsoever. Never even asked my name or age – I am nearly 78 years. I was of the understanding children and pensioners were priority. Not at this surgery, she just kept repeating there were no appointments at all. I begged to sit and wait, she kept glancing at the queue and insisted there was nothing.
I felt I was going to collapse, but managed to get to the Malling Health Wrekin walk-in centre. In a matter of 10 minutes from arriving there was a vast difference, so caring, so kind and compassionate, took time to listen to me. I explained that I’d been turned away at the surgery, the receptionist was disgusted, she said “you’re a very poorly lady”.
When I went to see the doctor, who was wonderful, if there had been a vacant bed in the hospital she would have admitted me. I was on six steroids a day plus antibiotics for 10 days, no thanks to Wellington Medical Practice. I had a very severe chest infection, the doctor told me to go straight to bed where I stayed for two days.
I would like to say a big thank you to all the kind, considerate staff at the Malling Health Wrekin walk-in centre. This very grateful lady will miss you all very much.
Mrs P A Lea, Hadley
Wellington Medical Practice said: “We are sorry to hear that a patient from our practice has had a poor experience and thank them for raising this.
“We are unable to comment on individual cases but do take all such matters very seriously. We welcome individuals to contact the GP practice to discuss any issues or concerns they have.”
