Ilkeston Health Centre

Ive been with this practice for over 70 years, its always been a absolutely wonderful practice, however, this past couple of years, i hate to say, its gone down hill, covid hasn't helped, plus our 2 wonderful doctors have retired, one about 7 or 8 years ago, and the other last month, its so sad not to see these 2 amazing male doctors anymore. Ive yet to meet the 2 part time newish female doctors, what i cant quite take in is, a member of my family rang the surgery 2 days ago, i think it was to ask for a phone appointment for this coming Fri May 21st, she was told, sorry but both doctors are taking the day off on Fri, i dont mind them having a day off but, surely they could have taken separate days, i find that a little disturbing not having a doctor, especially if anyone got ill and needed to see a doctor. This family member also asked about getting her 2nd covid jab as the gap between both jabs had been brought down to a 8 week gap instead of 12 weeks, she was told by a receptionist NO, we aren't changing, we are sticking to the 12 week gap because, it would be alot of trouble to change, wow!! what sort of surgery is this now, its certainly not the one ive known and loved for 70 years. Pleased to say my family member rang 119 on monday 17th May, she got her 2nd covid jab today 19th May, just two days after ringing 119, shes my carer as ive a few medical conditions and am on the vulnerable list, she very much needed to have the 2nd jab as to give me a little more protection, i have a severe lung condition. Its also sad that we have lost so many of our lovely receptionists too, at our practice, there are just 2 of the original girls left now, it was always so nice to have a chat with the girls, they were excellent with all the patients, ive no idea who im speaking to now if i have to phone the surgery, i feel quite rushed, i have asked if i could speak to either of the 2 original girls but, im told they are busy. I hope the future of this once wonderful practice, will be wonderful again but, at the moment i cant see that happening, we need a full time GP, they will need to be very special to live up to the 2 amazing GPs that have retired. I will give the surgery time to pick up a bit, i do know it must be difficult at the moment with covid, if i were younger id mabe think of trying another practice, but after 70 years with same practice, i cant bare to leave it.