I queued up for 15 minutes only to be told I couldn’t register as I wasn’t in the catchment area which is fair enough but the way I was spoken to was terrible. I was humiliated in front of other patients as the receptionist treated me like a discarded piece of rubbish. I was told to pay for parking. I said I was new to the area and didn’t realise I had to pay as I drove straight in. They demanded £1 and at that time I hadn’t been paid as I’d just moved and had nothing in my purse or card. I had my newborn baby with me and I politely explained that I didn’t realise and didn’t have £1. I was rudely and jokingly told in an amused voice that I wouldn’t be able to get out. I wanted to cry. I was made to explain my family circumstances as to why I had no money but they amusingly smirked I wouldn’t be able to leave. I went to sit down in the waiting room area to take deep breaths as I was panicking and was just embarrassed in front of loads of patients. No dignity or respect. I telephoned my Domestic Abuse Support Worker to explain AGAIN why I had no money and was new to the area with my newborn baby. They finally agreed to life the barrier and let me out! The receptionists acting like it was one big joke and like nothing had happened (that’s called gaslighting). I cried my eyes out in my car and all the way home. A grown woman crying like a baby, who had been absolutely degraded and humiliated. I would not recommend this practice and in hind sight, it is a saving grace I wasn’t able to register. What a horrendous experience.
Original Comment Report...