I booked an appointment to see the doctor to get an update on my condition. I went to see if there was an update and how I could manage it. The GP said that I had to just live with it and there was nothing that could help and was reluctant to look into other options. I was not happy with this so, in that appointment I had to really push and continue to state that I wanted to see a neurologist, as I felt there were other treatments that would help. The GP did refer me to the Norfolk and Norwich after I asked to see a neurologist. I saw the neurologist and he agreed that more could be done and this was not a result of Parkinsons and then referred me to a team in London for specialist treatment.
If I hadn't of pushed to put my views across of what I wanted for my care, then I would still be no better off. You should not need to push that hard as a patient to get the support that's right for you. I now have an appointment to see the London specialist offering ultrasound treatment team that's a new technology used to treat my condition. I had to wait a year for it but it will be worth the wait when i go in January.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Anonymous
I am sorry to learn of your experience of feeling that you had to push to be referred onwards.
As with all medical matters, a specialist has just that - specialist knowledge that the General Practitioner does not have. Over 90 % of all the NHS contacts each year are with the GP.s - it is appropriate that where you wish for a further specialist opinion you are referred on, and I am glad that this indeed happened, and further 'groundbreaking' technology is being made available for your care.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Appointments at Thorpewood
3
Submitted by Anonymous25th August 2017
As a working person it's always an issue to book appointments if needed.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Anonymous
Please do ask to use use the extended access appointments on a Saturday morning if that would help your needs. These are offered for those that have difficulty getting to the surgery Monday-Friday; we one of only a few practices across Norfolk that offer Saturday morning appointments.
Without wishing to be political in anyway, there will be a change away from current NHS contract hours Monday-Friday appointments over the coming months, However, given the national GP/AP shortage, this can only be achieved by reducing the appointments available Mon-Fri and increasing those available Saturday & Sunday.....there are only so many hours a GP can work in a week without quick 'burn out' happening.
In the meantime, please do use the Saturday morning appointments we have available - I hope that solves the issue for you/your family.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager.
Very helpful staff but under pressure
4
Submitted by katherine Barnsley25th August 2017
I have been seeing a nurse who is treating my leg ulcer and she has been very helpful and friendly. But they are under so much pressure for time.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Katherine
Thank you so much for your very positive feedback on Thorpewood. Without going into detail on your personal condition on this forum, I know that the GP.s have been working with you over recent weeks - and the wider NHS standards are certainly being applied on time allocated.
I would suggest that your comments are more reflective on the national NHS pressures rather than Thorpewood specific, but thank you again for your comments.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Appointments are an issue
1
Submitted by Anonymous23rd August 2017
Back in the winter my husband and I had very bad coughs for 3 months so I tried 4 times to try and get an appointment to see someone. I was unable to get an appointment and was sent to the walk-in centre and couldn't get in there either. It was awful and I ended up going online and paid to get some help.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Anonymous
I am sorry to learn of your experience - the NHS has a definite plan for bad coughs as you describe.
The first level is Selfcare - as covered by the current NHS England #Selfcare campaign to have a suitably filled medicine cabinet, able to cope with minor coughs. colds and sniffles..
The second level is an NHS Pharmacist, who can work with you on the other over-the-counter options if the Selfcare has not worked.
The third level, after a few weeks, is, as you say, the NHS Norwich Walk-in Centre who can treat many minor ailments including persistent ongoing coughs.
The fourth level, if suitable NHS care to date has not worked, and only after a period of 3 weeks or longer, is ourselves as a GP surgery, who can look at the more serious possibilities as to the symptoms.
This is the standard NHS 'hierarchy of needs' and makes sure that the individual's needs are seen by the 'Right Clinician, at the Right Time, in the Right Place' and also ensures that we are able to prioritise to see the more serious needs of our patients.
In closing, I am very sorry that we were not able to see you on a routine pre-bookable appointment to look at your ongoing symptoms. Please accept my apologies that we maybe did not look into your circumstances as closely as we might have done, given the 3 month timescale of your cough.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Saw the nurse - excellent service
5
Submitted by Karen23rd August 2017
I have just seen the nurse and they were excellent and very caring.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Karen
Thank you ever so much for your really positive feedback on your experience today. That is much appreciated, and I will make sure the nursing team are aware of your thoughts.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Acceptable
3
Submitted by Keith Stokes23rd August 2017
We arrived late today but we were still seen and the care is acceptable.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Keith
I am glad that we were able to see you as covered - we always try to accommodate late arrivals as can understand that sometimes short delays in arrival times are unavoidable.
Thank you for your feedback on the service level - much appreciated indeed.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Always been good over 35 years
5
Submitted by Phil Symonds23rd August 2017
We have been patients as a family for 35 years and have been very satisfied with the service. Some of the doctors have been brilliant.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Phil
Thank you so much for your glowing review of our service - really appreciated.
We look forward to serving you and your family for many years to come.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Very good service
5
Submitted by Anonymous23rd August 2017
My husband has been fighting cancer for the last 5 years and they have been very supportive throughout, and I can't fault them.
Reply from Thorpewood Medical Group
Dear Anonymous
Firstly, I was saddened to learn that you husband has been fighting the dreadful disease for so long. I wish him, and you as family, every strength in the ongoing battle.
Thank you so much for your kind words about Thorpewood Surgery - we look to be here to support in every way we can.
Ian Wilson
Practice Manager
Treated badly by an individual GP
1
Submitted by Anonymous31st July 2017
Treated badly by an individual GP. The Practice showed no interest in investigating it at all. I had no backup or protection and felt very much on my backfoot. With the current news and historic abuse of patients I'm amazed to see that the NHS is still setup in such a way that it does not protect patients and gives the patient no way of proving the diologue or events of an individual appointment.
This is a good GP surgery, the only problems with it are the receptionists - don't get me wrong they've gotten slightly better in the last year, but not by much. Oh and it takes about 4 weeks to make an appointment.