Falkland Surgery, You're better off self-diagnosing with Google! Options

[Baffers100]

For about 6 years now, I have been registered with The Falkland Surgery in Newbury. Previously I was registered with the Thatcham Medical Practice which were far superior, but now I am sick and tired of The Falkland.

2 weeks ago I was advised to make an appointment with their dematologist. Upon trying to book, I was told that appointments would only be released on the day of the appointment, and needing an afternoon appointment I was told there was nothing for 2 weeks. I was then told to call in the morning of that day to try and secure an appointment. I called this morning as instructed and low and behold there are no appointments left. "Well you should have called at 8am like you were told" was their response. I have now been told to try again on Tuesday.

I really don't see the point in having a medical practice where you can't get an appointment. I've been sent to the Newbury Hospital before as The Falkland haven't had capacity, and the number of times you get an appointment at say 5pm, and and hour and a half later you've still not been seen is ridiculous. Not to mention the fact that reception seem to have no concept of discretion!

I think I've reached my witts end with these guys, so I may register with the Kingsclere Medical Practice who are in my area apparently. Has anybody had anydealing with Kingslcere MP, or any other similar dealings with The Falkland? I'm not sure where to complain to the Practice Manager. To be fair I don't anticipate much in the way of a response if I did.

[Andy Capp]

Have you tried Falkland's on-line booking? I suspect in the main, unless Falkland are over subscribed, you will find similar stories elsewhere.

[Biker1]

Grew tired of poor service at Falkland some time ago.
Changed surgeries and haven't looked back.
The excellent service I receive at my new surgery is a huge improvement.

[Ron]

Grew tired of poor service at Falkland some time ago.
Changed surgeries and haven't looked back.
The excellent service I receive at my new surgery is a huge improvement.

And it will get worse when they build the 2000 houses next door!

[Cognosco]

And it will get worse when they build the 2000 houses next door!

Certainly won't help will it.

Afraid it is all part of the Master Plan that's why Dave & Lansley chucked everything up in the air when they reorganised the NHS. It makes you wonder how they think local GP's are capable of managing Clinical Commissioning when they aren't really able to manage a small surgery?

I feel sure that it was done with the full knowledge that it would not work and they would then have to call in their mates in the Private Sector to help out, and of course get their hands on some of the billions that should remain within the NHS.

Still too late to complain now privateisation through the back door and anyway the people of Newbury don't complain when Public bodies do wrong do they?

[JeffG]

Do I detect a whiff of conspiracy theory?