Urgh. GP surgery having a laugh!

WhiteHorse

MamaMoo wrote: »

They will not help unless you phone in.

This is extrordinary. The receptionists refuse to make an appointment over the counter? They only use 0844 numbers? Really?

I wonder if this is legal - after all, you are being denied access to medical care (which is a right), because you cannot pay.

grayme-m

Our doctors has an 0844 number, has cost me several pounds to make an appointment by mobile (was out, so no choice), however we can turn up to make appointments too.

However, I found a 01 number somewhere and got straight through to someone, it threw me as there was no button pushing, and an appointment was made. :rotfl:

PinkLipgloss

WhiteHorse wrote: »

This is extrordinary. The receptionists refuse to make an appointment over the counter? They only use 0844 numbers? Really?

I wonder if this is legal - after all, you are being denied access to medical care (which is a right), because you cannot pay.

I too was shocked - but it is indeed true of several surgeries in the central scotland area.

mjm3346

Assuming this is the same practice, the feedback for the surgery on the NHS website provides the reasons for their 0844 number and the appointment booking arrangements.


http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/gp/pages/gpratingsandcomments.aspx?Pid=C62D54B6-2C99-4CFC-BD5B-AA1AA454192B

flossy_splodge

kazzah60 wrote: »

Oh Flossy-splodge
JUST the sort of response I would expect from Coventry PCT - in my experience they do not care one jot about any of their patients
sadly I doubt they will even respond to your reply to them
karen ( in coventry) !

Hey karen.
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire are doing a feature on the Annie Oathen show tomorrow morning, starts at 0900 hrs.
They want to know if you are willing to speak to them live on air about how you feel?
Can you let me know asap as I need to email the producer either way.
:T

flossy_splodge

Hey good folk.
The above radio programme is running this issue of 0844 numbers for Doctors surgeries tomorrow morning.
If anyone is willing to contribute live on air they would love to hear from you.
Their number is 08459005200 :rotfl:or text your number to them starting with the letters CW and sending to 81333 or email them and ask them to call YOU.
I will be on first thing ie about 0900 hrs and would welcome some back up.
It does NOT have to be YOUR area, they just need people affected by this issue to explain how it is for them.

If you are out of this area you can listen 'live' via their website http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_coventry_warwickshire/listenlive
which will play whatever is live at the time.
Please DO offer support as a lone voice won't get far and the BBC are willing to highlight this issue so lets make it worth their while.:T

MamaMoo_2

Hey Flossy,
I'm still recovering from my latest ordeal at the hands of the NHS, but if you could let them know that I'm happy for them to use any of my posts on this topic in the show if they wish, that would be fabulous
Thanks

flossy_splodge

MamaMoo wrote: »

Hey Flossy,
I'm still recovering from my latest ordeal at the hands of the NHS, but if you could let them know that I'm happy for them to use any of my posts on this topic in the show if they wish, that would be fabulous
Thanks

Will do! Hope all went well? x:)

barbiedoll

The use of 0844 numbers for making appointments at a doctor's surgery is totally unacceptable, and not just for mobile users.

They say that the call is charged at the same rate as a local landline call BUT, if you ring a landline number and it is busy, you don't get charged for hearing the engaged tone. Whereas with the 0844 numbers, they charge you for the privilege of waiting and being on hold. Which even at local, daytime landline rates, can rack up quite a large bill! :mad:

Of course someone is making money out of it, they wouldn't use the system otherwise. :mad:

And yes, lots of people don't have landlines anymore, especially those who live in rented accommodation. It's just to expensive to install and the landline rental is often higher than the cost of the calls. Mobile companies are as much to blame, for not including 0844 numbers as part of the "free" calls in their packages. It's yet another example of "rip-off Britain".

MamaMoo_2

flossy_splodge wrote: »

Will do! Hope all went well? x:)

Well, I have a beautiful baby boy, so yes.
The NHS treatment left a lot to be desired though. Pretty much ruined the experience for myself and two other women. :eek: