I READ that Mr Anderson is unhappy with the Pickering Surgery’s service for a variety of reasons, including that he can’t just pop in for advice for a mythical wasp sting with the stinger still in his eye!
If he’d taken the trouble to use 111 via phone or online he wouldn’t have wasted his or the long-suffering surgery’s staff time.
That services advice on a wasp sting could be obtained in moments (I’ve checked) and no option was to drop in unannounced to his GP. Yesterday, I had reason to seek medical advice so I used 111 online. Within a few moments of button clicking I was asked to contact my GP.
I rang the surgery, explained the issues to the staff and that 111 had advised I call. The most helpful receptionist arranged for a Dr to call me back.
Five minutes later one did and after a brief chat I was asked to attend urgently. Thus, within an hour of contacting 111, by following the correct procedure, not only had I had a face-to-face meeting and tests done, but I also had a prescription issued with follow-ups arranged.
The system's there. It works. Don’t abuse it.
My thanks to the Doctors and staff at Pickering.
Andy Dunlop, Levisham
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