I called to get an urgent appointment with the doctor as I had physical symptoms and was in a lot of pain. Called as soon as they opened, it still took me half an hour to get through at which point I was informed I couldn't have an appointment as they were already full, not even a call back. I was told "you'll just have to go to the walk in centre if it's that bad" which I did and was given antibiotics. Had I waited the usual month to get a routine appointment I'd be in a much worse position. A week on I sill had symptoms so I spoke to the out of hours doctor again after calling 111,, who advised I get an appointment the following day with a nurse or doctor for possible blood tests or referral for ultrasound. He stated he would email the practice to that effect. Again I called when the practice opened, but the phones were down. I emailed the practice instead outlining my conversation with the OOH doctor and requested a call back for advice or an appointment. Nothing. So I dropped in to the practice on my way home from work and stated the problem again only to be told they had nothing today and to call in the morning. I said that's how I ended up at A&E in the first place because they don't answer the phone for half an hour and by the time I get through all the appointments are taken. To which I got the reply "well you'll just have to go to the out of hours doctor again won't you". The receptionists are not medically trained, she did not seek a medically trained colleagues opinion or listen to the advice of the OOH GP. I've had so much trouble with Cranbrook Medical Centre and I really loathe having to call, even when I really need to because of the obstructive attitude and practices of the majority of the staff.
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