Park View Surgery 2014-09-01 Person 5 5 0

This positive review is based on my latest visits to the surgery which have been excellent. However, staying with the area's that this questionnaire addresses, there have been issues in the past not covered by recent visits. The two surgeries are always clean no issue here. The main areas of concern when things go wrong are at first point of contact, reception. General attitude of the receptionist which in the past have given me the view of an inefficient set-up. Promised actions not fulfilled. Appointment at Carnforth surgery to get an early appointment not recorded, arrived to be told I should be at Milnthorpe. No nurse available at Milnthorpe to do bloods in time for a Hospital appointment, accepted an appointment at Carnforth waiting seven days, on presenting myself at Carnforth, the specialist nurse was most put-out that I could not 'do-the-stairs', and told me that I should have not made an appointment at Carnforth knowing that she worked upstairs. I tried to explain that when i had bloods done, it is at Milnthorpe, so i did not know she worked upstairs. She said I would have to make another appointment at Milnthorpe. On my explanation that the bloods were needed for a Hospital appointment, and I had already waited seven days, she reluctantly, and in an annoyed, 'time-waster' attitude arranged for the ordinary nurse who was dealing with Mums and babies to take my bloods in the downstairs room. It was kind of her to do it, but frankly, I was made to feel like a nuisance because I could not get up stairs, she was chatting with another social type worker whilst sticking a needle in my arm. The whole atmosphere was frantic, squashed in the little corridor, a pram and mums, babies, and toddlers vying for space with old people with sticks and walking difficulties. The receptionist at Carnforth deserves a medal. My treatment at the hands of the General Practioners, has always been thoughtful, kind and I felt genuine interests in how I was feeling. I have occasionally thought that a degree of boredom and being fed-up with the mundane had crept in with one GP, but still received attention and courtious professional care. My recent experiences have been positive and with a sense of energy and realistic enthusiasm that has been missing for a few years. The Milnthorpe surgery, always seems empty, and gives the impression of a business that is loosing it's customers. Until recently, every time I have come into Milnthorpe surgery it has been almost deserted. The receptionist area being large with just one member of staff, empty shelving gives an impression of a failing business. I know the shelves are empty because records have been computerised, but the impression is poor. Especially when there is no nurse at Milnthorpe because she is part -time. I am sure these things are happening for business reasons, but they should be disguised. Perhaps, make the Receptionist area smaller, and utilise the space more productively. The impression would be better. I am uncertain as to why there have been so few patients waiting to see GP's. It is nice to be in an unpacked waiting room, but gives out an impression that all is not well...it is not normal. The other surgery in Milnthorpe is the one my son is registered with, and is constantly busy, active, and there is an energy that is tangible. It is not as grand or modern or specially designed as our surgery, but, the impression is that of activity, interest, use and services. The whole atmosphere when I go in there to pick up prescriptions, or medications on behalf of my son, is one of positive activity, and business being conducted. An excellent atmosphere there. I must say that I would not change my GP's. I hope these comments are taken positively. They are of course, meant to assist. Up-dates about the surgery is a nice idea, but makes me feel that I am a patient. Let me explain. Being part of something which tells me that I am increasingly decaying, is not the sort of community I want to belong to. It is sadly an essential part of keeping death at bay for as long as possible, but it need not be a pleasurable experience, just a professional, courteous, caring and efficient experience. What I want is good service, professional, and interested G.P's, with courious minds and a view to using their skills and knowledge to aid me to keep as well as I can for as long as I can. Even when I am presenting with something that is born of too much Google and yet another medical research report in the press. So I have said no to the surgery up-dates. Save your money and use it for something that will improve the service for those you consider most in need. Maybe a treat for yourselves, to help with your own stress levels..I really can't say in what way you should spend money, that is up to you. I just feel the cost of up-dating patients about the surgery is absorbing energy and money, which could be better used. Telephone appointment with a GP is a great idea, save time for you and the patient...often reassurance or touching base is all that is needed for a happy patient. Thank you so much for asking what we think. This is a good idea.