Share review of Patford House Surgery Partnership

Patford House Surgery Partnership 2023-09-14 Person 1 5 0

It seems practically impossible to get an appointment or to have a test done. I have Long Covid and the GPs can't really help me with that which is fair enough because it is a new thing. I have been referred to specialist Long Covid teams (which took a long time, but that's another story). I've been advised by a Long Covid specialist to have a h. pylori test as gut health seems to be a strong factor in Long Covid so eliminating one potential negative effect should benefit me overall. This is an non-urgent appointment so I followed the instructions on the web site and requested an appointment via the PATCH system, which was not a simple process. I've had no response at all other than the request has been approved. A week later I go to Patford House and ask the receptionist about the appointment. I'm told that it is in the system and I will be contacted. It's now 2 weeks after my request and I've heard nothing. I go to the Patford House web site to check for any messages (it is not ideal to have log into a separate portal to check if you have been messaged there, rather than by your normal email/text etc) to find a HUGE pop up message declaring that the surgery is accepting new patients so please sign up. You have to wonder how these people are going to get appointments etc. Long Covid heightens stress reactions and causes anxiety. It seems totally wrong that trying to access help from my local doctor's surgery triggers my Long Covid rather than helping to soothe/cure it.

Have a booking system where people can get appointments without it being a stressful process. I don't mind waiting a few days for a non-urgent appointment, but two weeks with no response is not good enough.