Promised Improvements Options

[On the edge]

Little wonder parties have been promising improvements to the NHS - it couldn't get much worse. Simple scenario, see Doctor, have blood test, get prescription. A day's work at least in Newbury. Doctors 'appointment phone' never answered. Call personally to be told that 'phones are always busy; need too many people to answer them'! Eventually get appointment - but some days away. Go to 'blood clinic' - stated 40 minutes wait turns into 90. 'Its always been like this' says woman in queue, 'ever since they moved from the old place'. Then, and to cap it all, wait for ages in Boots, come away and go back to an even longer queue. Someone walks in (again, a returnee) and complains; so who is brought over to talk to him a manager, no the Security Guard!!! Having seen similar experiences elsewhere and very recently, Newbury seems far worse. Why does everything need to be second rate in Newbury?

[Iommi]

For starters, I doubt Newbury is unique in this matter. Secondly, don't think this is going to get any better any day soon (unless you win the Lottery).

[JeffG]

I took an elderly lady to WBCH at around two today for a blood test: waiting time 5 minutes.

It depends on the time of day.

[Torchy]

Can you not book your doctor's appointment on-line? Also, the pathology department is always busy first thing and just before it closes - try late morning if you need another test.

And you don't have to use Boots, I usually use the Lloyds pharmacy on the A4 in Thatcham (free parking right outside too).

Hope you feel better soon!

[On the edge]

I took an elderly lady to WBCH at around two today for a blood test: waiting time 5 minutes.

It depends on the time of day.

Regrettably some of us have to earn a living.

[On the edge]

Can you not book your doctor's appointment on-line? Also, the pathology department is always busy first thing and just before it closes - try late morning if you need another test.

And you don't have to use Boots, I usually use the Lloyds pharmacy on the A4 in Thatcham (free parking right outside too).

Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks - our Dr doesn't do on line. Will certainly not use Boots again, so Lloyds may well have another customer. Perhaps a change of Dr too! Yes, feeling a bit better... just left me grumpy!!!

[JeffG]

Regrettably some of us have to earn a living.

I don't see how that comment is relevant. If you need a blood test, you need to take time off work anyway.

[Biker1]

I don't see how that comment is relevant. If you need a blood test, you need to take time off work anyway.

No you don't.

[JMH]

Little wonder parties have been promising improvements to the NHS - it couldn't get much worse. Simple scenario, see Doctor, have blood test, get prescription. A day's work at least in Newbury. Doctors 'appointment phone' never answered. Call personally to be told that 'phones are always busy; need too many people to answer them'! Eventually get appointment - but some days away. Go to 'blood clinic' - stated 40 minutes wait turns into 90. 'Its always been like this' says woman in queue, 'ever since they moved from the old place'. Then, and to cap it all, wait for ages in Boots, come away and go back to an even longer queue. Someone walks in (again, a returnee) and complains; so who is brought over to talk to him a manager, no the Security Guard!!! Having seen similar experiences elsewhere and very recently, Newbury seems far worse. Why does everything need to be second rate in Newbury?

I was about to jump in a defend the service I have received up until now, but having just spent a wasted morning thanks to my GP am changing my mind!

I took my son to my GP to follow up from his nose injury 11 days ago (following advice from CH). She sent us to CH for xray. Got there only to be told 'We don't xray noses here, you have to see an ENT specialist! We have told the surgeries many times!'. Went back to doctors to complain and they did try to help but the system for 'choose and book' for NHS treatment was not working. I now have to try to find a private ENT specialist as it looked like I wouldn't be able to get an appt with the NHS for at least 4 1/2 weeks! Action on my sons' injury should take place about 2 weeks after the injury!

Arghhh!

[pinkfluffyclouds]

We live out in the sticks which has some advantages in that if we phone our GP we can usually get in the same or next day. We then wait in reception for our prescription to be filled and away we go. Blood tests can be booked with our nurse (but usually only on a morning but that only makes you half an hour late for work anyway). Obviously if you are then referred to hospital from our surgery that is a whole different ball game. I spent a week wasting tax payers money in hospital having very minimal treatment, was sent home on the Saturday to spend a week at home waiting and then returning a week and a bit later on the Sunday for my operation on Monday (they only did the operation I needed on a Monday)....... Did not understand that one !!!

[JeffG]

No you don't.

Please explain. WBCH is from 10 to 3.30 (approx - not sure of exact time) or from 8-10 for fasting blood tests. Phlebotomist at my own surgery is during the day too.

Would be interested to hear where you can get blood taken outside working hours. ("No you don't" without an explanation is not very helpful!)

[On the edge]

Please explain. WBCH is from 10 to 3.30 (approx - not sure of exact time) or from 8-10 for fasting blood tests. Phlebotomist at my own surgery is during the day too.

Would be interested to hear where you can get blood taken outside working hours. ("No you don't" without an explanation is not very helpful!)

Perhaps I could explain. I'm not looking for 'out of hours' special treatment - simply better 'in hours' arrangements. Not everyone works in Newbury. I happen to work well outside the area - so starting at 10 and finishing at 3.30 does actually mean loosing at least half a day for a simple blood test. OK - you might say its my choice where I work - true. However, my firm chose to move away from Newbury and at the time, I couldn't secure alternative employment locally. So what's wrong with the NHS actually managing the demand and helping people stay in work at the same time. Most other ventures manage to do that. Very glad your surgery offers its own service - mine doesn't. Let me know where it is and I'll transfer. Or is there a local post code lottery for health services. Yes this is a rant - but we do actually pay (I've just checked my wage slip) rather a lot for the health service - so if I pay first class prices, I think it only reasonable to expect first class service.

[JeffG]

Very glad your surgery offers its own service - mine doesn't. Let me know where it is and I'll transfer.

Don't know how serious you are, but PM'd you. Meanwhile, still wondering what Biker1 meant

Edit: by the way, agree with pretty much all you say. I think local surgeries now provide early/late appointments precisely to cater for those can't get there during the day.

Evening sessions at the hospital for blood tests would be a good idea, though would cost. Why not contact your recently re-elected MP to see what he thinks?

[Biker1]

Please explain. WBCH is from 10 to 3.30 (approx - not sure of exact time) or from 8-10 for fasting blood tests. Phlebotomist at my own surgery is during the day too.

Would be interested to hear where you can get blood taken outside working hours. ("No you don't" without an explanation is not very helpful!)

Sorry about the abrupt reply - I was in a hurry.

I have never taken time off work to have a blood test. (And I've had a few!)
I work it around my job by going either when I am at lunch or I take some leave.

My surgery is very flexible as to when I can book a test.

If you work at a different location you can get it done at the nearest NHS hospital or participating surgery.

[JeffG]

Sorry about the abrupt reply - I was in a hurry.

No problem

I work it around my job by going either when I am at lunch or I take some leave.

That's clearer - originally I thought you meant outside normal working hours.

[On the edge]

Don't know how serious you are, but PM'd you. Meanwhile, still wondering what Biker1 meant

Edit: by the way, agree with pretty much all you say. I think local surgeries now provide early/late appointments precisely to cater for those can't get there during the day.

Evening sessions at the hospital for blood tests would be a good idea, though would cost. Why not contact your recently re-elected MP to see what he thinks?

Thanks - your note was very helpful and much appreciated