Forum Topic

Putneymead Surgery ~ Is Anybody There?

Been trying all morning to get through but line constantly engaged.  I did actually get through ONCE and was held at 9th in queue for 12 minutes without moving forward so I assumed the automated system had encountered a glitch and hung up to try again. I haven't been able to get through since. I try not to call the surgery but I had to chase up a prescription request that I did online on the 2nd October and has been received but not yet been processed. I then emailed the surgery to bring this to their attention but the prescription still hasn't been actioned. My prescriptions are sent electronically so how long does it take for a doctor or another qualified health practitioner to press a bloody button?  And why are the telephones not being managed properly? 🤬

Sue Hammond ● 1581d10 Comments

I also have used that system and been answered before the next day  Providing it is not urgent and is not a physical problem that needs attending to face to face this is perfection for me  No transport, taxi costing ( currently, £7.50 each way ), definitely a good way to go  Also gives doctor time to look up your notesOddly enough I did get through on phone yesterday, 2nd in the queue, re question about the flu vacine Not a helpful answer though !

Barbara Shillabeer ● 1580d

I have used that facility several times and it works very well.  I have a wonderful GP and she always gets back to me in good time.

Sue Hammond ● 1580d

Oh what a pita. My prescription request was referred to the duty doctor to approve so it seems the software is partly working but not for appointments atm. Hope it gets fixed soon and you get yours Martine.

Sue Hammond ● 1580d

I went in again about an hour ago and the receptionists were still unable to make me an appointment, because of a problem with the system.

Martine Guy ● 1580d

Glad you got your prescription, Sue, although one wonders how much of the delay was a system problem rather than someone needing a reminder:-)

Michael Ixer ● 1580d

Not everyone knows that P'mead has a newish system whereby you latch on to the website and then send a message of up to 300 characters to a named doctor and expect a response within 24 hours. Seems to function OK, although 500 characters would be better.

Alexander MacLeod ● 1580d

Finally got through.  Receptionist said a system failure had extensively affected much of the NHS. Anyway my prescription request has been actioned now.

Sue Hammond ● 1580d

Interesting. The Heathbridge Practice had a power cut Monday which knocked out services for 24 hours. They did at least get one on their IT providers to text all their patients to inform them of the situation. 

Michael Ixer ● 1581d

Thanks Martine. 🙂 Well that answers the question about the phones not being answered but it doesn't excuse the lack of attention to the prescription request.

Sue Hammond ● 1581d

Hi Sue, I’ve just been in to get an appointment and there is a problem with the system.  They told me to try again later today.  

Martine Guy ● 1581d