I HAVE been using Pickering surgery for probably about thirty years now and obviously there have been major changes with funding and having to deal with a struggling NHS system.

I feel that the service offered now is far worse, e.g. the practice closes for an hour at lunchtime and I can see no good reason for this.

Most shops in Pickering offer a full day’s opening and allow some staff off for lunch while others man the shop. Why can’t the surgery operate this system? It used to do that.

Also I find it is difficult to sometimes get past the telephone or office staff giving out appointments. I had a problem with a wasp sting where the sting was still in my eye and I called in at the surgery in the hope someone could have a quick look at my eye and give me some advice. All I was offered was an appointment in 24 hours’ time.

My feelings are that the admin staff should be able to try and access one of the medical staff if there is something that needs a few minutes of their time. I realise that it is not a walk-in centre but the nearest one of those is probably in York, Scarborough, or perhaps Malton.

Lets hope that the new management team are able to take the time to consider the service they are offering and make some positive changes.

Brian Anderson,

Pickering