In a recent advertisement for additional staff, Irchester Surgery listed the following as its values: • We treat patients, service users, and each other with kindness, dignity, and respect. • Services are always designed around the patient. • We deliver services that are well managed, efficient, convenient, and accessible for patients. • We do what we say we are going to do. • We are one team and work best when we work together. These values reflect a commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork. Unfortunately, Irchester Surgery falls short of the values it claims to uphold. My recent experiences have led me to perceive a misalignment between these proclaimed values and the services provided. The appointment system, especially the early morning triage, makes securing face-to-face appointments nearly impossible, potentially jeopardizing patient health. Explaining symptoms to non-medical receptionists adds another layer of concern, questioning the commitment to treating patients with kindness and dignity. The lack of a specified call-back time for over-the-phone appointments has not only caused inconvenience but also raises serious doubts about the efficiency and reliability of the services provided. Given that the surgery has a patient list of nearly 4000 and continues to accept new patients, it’s crucial to address these issues promptly. Patient safety should be the top priority, and I hope Irchester Surgery takes immediate action to align its practices with its stated values.

I don't go to the doctor unless I really need to and unfortunately, trying to use this surgery makes me less inclined to go when I'm ill. 4 years ago I found a lump in my throat and called for an appointment with the doctor. I was told by the receptionist this was not something the doctor would need to see me about so I was booked in to see a nurse. Was told by the nurse that as I had a small child, it was probably my glands that were swollen and they should go down shortly. 2 weeks later no change so called again and asked to see the doctor. Again told by the receptionist this was not something the doctor would need to see me about so I was booked in to see a nurse. Nurse again said it was my glands. I didn't feel confident about this but gave it another week. When I tried to get in to see a doctor was again told I'd have to see the nurse and was made to feel I was wasting their time as this was the 3rd time I'd been about the same issue. The nurse said as I wasn't happy she would refer me for an ultrasound appointment at the hospital. Had my scan and was told I'd have the response in a week. Called a week later and was told they would contact me when the results were back. Luckily I had to take my 2 yr old son in (which was a nightmare appointment to book) and asked the doctor if he could check. When I explained it was regarding a lump he immediately looked into the results and at my throat. He was not happy I had not been to see a doctor before and said he'd be referring this up to the practice manager as all lumps need to be looked into within 30 days due to cancer. Was sent away with all the reading on cancer and an appointment for a biopsy. Luckily it wasn't cancer but I had to have a tumour bigger than a golf ball removed. never heard back from the Practice Manager but didn't expect to