Share review of Ashdown Forest Health Centre
I have had acute gastrointestinal problems for 16 days and are thus feeling extremely unwell. When I had the embarrassment of submitting a stool sample the receptionist pulled a disgusted face, asked me to make sure the bag was closed properly and then went to get a large yellow bin, which she held up in front of the full waiting room, and asked me to throw it in. I felt utterly humiliated and left the surgery in tears. I then got a text to say my results were normal. I rang to ask if the doctor would therefore need to speak to me to decide what to do next. The lady I spoke to was very rude and said ‘no why would they?’ I explained that I still had gastroenteritis and just wondered if the doctor had noted a treatment plan. To which she replied angrily ‘can you imagine us having a treatment plan for everyone we do tests on. Do you know how many we do?’
I explained again that I still had symptoms even though the Giardia results were negative. She then said ‘well you need to see a doctor then. Call back tomorrow’
I worked in the veterinary field for 30 years. My daughter works in the NHS. I understand how things work in a busy GP practice but I still think patients deserve to be treated with respect and empathy. We are not all wasting the doctors time. I have been polite and patient in every interaction I have had with all staff. I have not at any point been rude or demanding.