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The Armada Family Practice 2014-10-01 Person 3 5 0

Firstly, I don't agree with having to put in a 'last appointment' when filling in this review, as that totally reduces any chance of anonymity and because I can't be bothered to go and look my diary, so I have simply made a guess. I had an appointment on a Monday at 8.30 a.m. when the surgery opens. I was too ill to attend, but could not get through on the phone to cancel. I consequently received a letter practically accusing me of being a time waster. There needs to be a system in place for cancellations - other than on the computer because not all patients can access one at the drop of a hat. The new system of turning up at 8.30 and waiting to be seen is ridiculous. If you feel ill the last thing you want is to be sitting around for about three hours. Also, those who work would not be able to get time off to do so, and some non-emergency conditions still require to be seen the same day. Booking an appointment is also ridiculous. Appointments have to be made so far in advance and if you have anything which is non-emergency, but worrying (ie. symptoms of cancer) it is no good finding out after that you can actually ring through and make an urgent appointment. Once one gets to see a doctor the care is brilliant, but the whole build up to getting into that surgery door is dreadful. I have never found myself faced with an unhelpful receptionist, but the system is flawed.