Share review of Torrington Park Group Practice

Torrington Park Group Practice 2020-12-07 Person 1 5 0

Having to phone at 8.30 in the morning for an appointment, with no alternatives is just not acceptable. Because of work commitments this is impossible for me and I was told quite rudely that there was no alternative and I should take time off work. So, I was told I should take time off work to make an appointment. I'll then be phoned back during a day where I spend approximately 8 hours on calls with customers, so I'll miss the doctor calling me. Honestly most people don't have time to hang on the phone for 40 minutes to be told there are no appointments, call back tomorrow. I have had this experience on the occasions when I have taken time off to call. I've been in significant pain now for weeks, but not able to talk to a GP and was told I wouldn't get to see one anyway, so I should go to A&E. I have an ongoing, not an urgent condition and they would ask me why I couldn't see my GP. I'm not sure I can respond without being very rude. If A&E is overloaded, systems like this are driving the situation.

Have alternative methods of booking appointments for patients who can't phone at 8.30, or who can't get through. I appreciate not everyone can book online, but maybe have a small number of appointments held for that.