1/12/2022 went to see the doctor to day and the doctor told me he was running behind and to make another appointment as he didn't have time to speak about the problems I have it was very unprofessional so I come away with out even speaking about the problems I went for
Trying to get through is a nightmare and the long waiting time costs a lot of money,especially if you can’t get there through disability,mistakes with prescriptions are now common and very frustrating
I am a long term sufferer with Mental health issues which have been with me over half my life. I am on medication that needs monitoring and reviewed yearly, I also need regular blood tests to access whether the medication is damaging my liver and kidneys. During the pandemic I was not seen by my GP or had any reviews or blood tests. I was contacted last Christmas by phone for a medication review by a nurse practitioner saying a needed a blood test as I had not had one since 2019, I also asked for a PSA test as both my father and grandfather had died of prostrate cancer, which was agreed. Now as expressed by me many times that my medication increases my cholesterol levels and has impacted my thyroid, which I have to take extra medication for. After my blood results guess what? Yes my cholesterol was high at 8 and Dr wanted me to go on statins, I have tried every statin know to man, but I can't take them because of side affects! Will you try Ezetimibe 10 mg, I was asked, what side affects does it cause? No it works gently in the stomach, I was told. I agreed to try them. What about my PSA results, 'Oh we never did that one!' this is because it costs the Practice and it has to go before a Doctor to be signed off I later found out, but pushing statins a Dr's gets incentives from the pharmaceutical companies. But I could now have prostrate cancer, I'm over 60 and that is when my dad got his!
For the following few months I never received the new cholesterol lowering tablet ezetimibe 10mg, only last month did it appear in my pack, another phone call from the Practice, you should have had another blood test by now they told me, I told them I had just received the new tablets and I had not been on them long enough for them to make a difference! No Communication Between Departments! I have an appointment at the end of July with a PSA blood test to go with the rest! Unfortunately reading the leaflet on the new tablets it describes all side affects the same as statins, guess what I have been experiencing most of the severe ones over the last month, so much for gentle!! I am furious with the deception, it could potentially have serious consequences to my health, as if I have not have enough to deal with on a day to day basis, without your GP's practice adding to them. I am really angry and upset. Since the Pandemic its almost impossible to get an appointment and see your own GP, I've seen mine about once in 12 years! Continuity of care for long term health issues, in my case, none existent!! Just keep taking the tablets and keep quiet!! Awful, just awful!!
Does not listen nor try to help. Will have to go privately to get issue dealt with. What is the point of the NHS? This practice needs to reflect on how it works.
Depending on who you see can be very good or very poor if I could change to another Dr's I'd be saying bye bye Upwell
Some need to be reminded of what's expected of them when they work for the NHS
I have a compromised immune system. I have picked up a head cold last week and it's gone onto my chest. I know by the whizzing /rattling chest, short of breath when active or walking and coughing a very dry cough with thick green phelm. Having had pneumonia a few times & sepsis, I think I am pretty good at knowing when I need to come and be seen with a suspected chest infection. I called spoke to the receptionist who was lovely and helpful and when through my symptoms. I was told I'd get a call back. I got a call back for what it was worth, no interest what so ever, no look at my history or even asked me for my history. Asked what was wrong explained and the first words out his mouth were - Have you taken a Covid test. Yes, I said as do them reguarly and got the all clear. He then proceeded to advise me that home test were not accurate!!!! He then proceeded to tell me to take a PCR test! I don't have Covid, if he had asked me if I thought I had Covid then advised this test, I'd understand. I test regularly due to a compromised immune system and do not have Covid. My history alone would tell him, if I had Covid, I'n not be calling a doctors surgery. But don't worry I think it's viral so I'll write you a script for antibiotics but you can't get them and if no better by Friday, you can call us again and we'll put a script to the pharmacy, but I suspect you'll be no better by Friday or within the next 10 days. I think we'll agree this call was just a waste of everyone's time. trying to keep myself fit and out of hospital and it's calls like this that remind me, why I don't bother calling for an appointment when I feel sick. Then by the time I do get seen, it' a blue light job to A&E and a fight for life!!
Submitted by Collected at Healthwatch Norfolk event20th October 2021
When I called up this morning the receptionist was short and a little rude to me. I'm a student and I've stayed registered at this surgery, but she told me I shouldn't be. We had a back and forth and eventually she made me an appointment. I saw the nurse practitioner today and she was great and really reassured me and made me feel better about the issue I came in for.
Submitted by Collected at Healthwatch Norfolk event20th October 2021
They've been through a lot the last 18 months and they've done great. The staff and the doctors are all very friendly. Recently I've had to wait a little longer for an appointment, but I understand that. It's just how it is now.
Submitted by Collected at Healthwatch Norfolk event20th October 2021
I don't have a computer or a smartphone, so I can't access the website to make an appointment that way. I have to call and the system is awful. Today it took me 35 minutes to get through and speak to a receptionist. She apologised for the wait and said they only had 2 people answering the phones today. It's really frustrating for everyone. The recorded message is too long and very annoying.
Everything else is good. When I did eventually get through to someone they made me an appointment for that same day. I just wish there was a better way to do that.