Unable to get appointment
I rang to make appointment because a pharmacist I consulted told me I needed to see a doctor ( probably UTI) Was told no 'routine ' appts until April ( this was on 9/2) and I would have to ring first thing to try to get one sooner. Not possible, she said, to book one. This is in direct conflict with what it says about appts on their website. I rang 111 and again was told I should see a doctor.I explained that down lands had told me I couldn't make an appointment. 111 sent my notes through and suggested I rang downland back. I did this, they had received the communication but told me there was nothing they could do. I rang 111 back and despite the first person making notes had to go all through it again. I said that Downlands were not an option so they said a clinician would call me within 24 hours. Next day I did receive a call and was told I should go to the Urgent care centre at the DGH. This is what I did and was triaged and seen by a doctor within two hours. As thought for an infection and given antibiotics. I explained to both the nurse and the doctor the situation with Downlands and even the nurse was shocked. Please check out what Downlands say re appointments. It is simply not true. I and others have tried ringing and been told you are 31 on the list -just after opening! Sometimes you move up the queue slowly and are then cut off. This cannot be right. Many people in need may just give up in frustration or as recognized at the DGH are forced to go to the Urgent Care center there.