When Brading closed just before lockdown I was forced to register here as we are out of the catchment area of any other surgery. I thought we had the right to choose!! With one exception the receptionists are unfriendly and take too much upon themselves. Are they qualified to decide whether we speak to a doctor or another person whose function and qualifications are unknown? I was recently asked to self-diagnose as to how serious my condition was!! If I ask for an appointment I’m told I will get a phone call 4 or 5 weeks in the future. Doctors used to see, examine and diagnose. Now Covid is used as an excuse for treatment by remote control. Not good enough

I have been a patient for years and found the service excellent. Recently I phoned for an appointment as I had a very dry, severe cough with pain in my shoulders and chest. I asked the receptionist for an appointment and she asked why I needed an appointment. Having shared my health concerns with a complete stranger, she rudely and bluntly ( even she could hear how bad my chest is) that all the appointments have gone for today and the next week. Anyway I couldn’t have an appointment for just a dry cough. She told me to phone 911 if I wanted help. I wondered when the receptionist that answered the phone at the doctors had qualified as a doctor or was qualified to judge if I needed to speak to a doctor or treatment. I am disgusted and am taking this further.

I feel sad posting this because one member of the reception team is so kind and helpful, but just had another awful experience with a different member. Needed to see a doctor with concerns after having major surgery over a week ago receptionist was extremely reluctant to offer an appointment, reducing me to tears asking 'are you actually ill'. Am looking into moving practices.
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