Incompetant Health Centre

[Mutley]

Last Monday I had to attend my health centre as i was having trouble walking, and my knee was swolen. Arrived at 8-30, asked for an appointment and was given one with the "Duty Doctor" at 9. Great I think, leaves the rest of my day off as chill and i can watch the TdF in the afternoon.

Comes to 9-30, and i've not been seen. I hobble over to the desk, "oh, it appears i've set you up in the system, but never entered you. So Sorry"
OK, can you fit me in next appointment then. "no, doc is now with an emergency. You can wait about, or make an appointment for later" So I decide later s i have chores to do.

At the appointment, doc says i need treatment, but it'll take weeks to be seen. I'm Private, so please write me a referal and i'll be on my way. I then spend 2 days arranging insurance and appointments. Call and organise the practice secretary to write the letter. Turn up today and it's not ready! ARGG! appointment is tomorrow.

So now I have the number of the practice manager, and have to make a 4th visit to them.

Total fking incompetance on behalf of the receptionists and secretary. I doubt i'll get much other than an "apology"

Should I charge them for the time off? If so, punative fee?

[ShadownINja]

That's frustrating! I don't know what you can do, though. Make a formal complaint and don't accept an apology; say you want an official warning (as in 3 stage disciplinary) against the secretary as she's not done her job properly and thus you're experiencing more discomfort than you need to? It is pretty incompetent and unnecessary. Dunno about the claiming money as they won't feel the pain as it'll come from the tax payer.