Share review of Seven Dials Medical Centre

Seven Dials Medical Centre 2021-01-07 Person 3 5 0

My Partner called the practice as he was concerned over a new issue that has been ongoing for several weeks - something that he thought would resolve itself but has persisted and before he could even finish describing his symptoms he was in his words 'barked at' by the receptionist who wouldn't let him speak and said you have been closed since March and you're not seeing anyone face to face. We're all very aware that there is a pandemic going on and services are restricted, but patient's problems don't simply disappear because services have changed. He wasn't requested to see anyone, but simply wanted to discuss his symptoms in the first instance to see if he needed treatment or a referral given that he has a strong family history of various types of cancer and thought he should have it reviewed - he rarely goes to the Doctors. I realise common sense doesn't grow in everyone's garden and there will be patients insisting on unnecessary appointments at this strange time, but there are many patients that would be put off seeking advice for potentially serious issues when face with such a rude and negative response. Perhaps try giving people the benefit of the doubt before shouting them down. This isn't the first time this has happened. The GP on the other hand was very helpful, thank you.

Listened to what the patient is describing and asking for rather an assuming and shouting them down and talking over them. I am a health centre receptionist myself so I am fully aware of the stressors in this job, but we're all struggling through this pandemic in our own way and patients should be encouraged to seek help if necessary and not put things on hold.