‘A lot of people are anxious... This message was upsetting’

A DOCTORS’ surgery has apologised for sending an ‘angry’ text to its patients telling them only to contact it for “urgent issues”.

Lindley Group Practice on Acre Street, Huddersfield, sent out the message on Wednesday, January 6.

The text said: “To prevent the Practice from becoming overwhelmed, we urge patients to only call the surgery for URGENT ISSUES that will not wait until the Pandemic is over. This will enable us to deal with genuinely ill patients more quickly. Thank you.”

But managers quickly decided its tone was off-putting and on Friday they sent out a another message, which read: “We apologise for the wording of our previous message. If you feel you need medical attention during these unprecedented times, please contact the surgery and we will, as always, support and advise you.”

One male patient, who didn’t want to be named, said: “At a time when a lot of people are anxious, to receive the first message would be upsetting.

“This is against a general backdrop of an inability to secure appointments. Vulnerable people young and old will have been unnerved by this missive.

“I know everyone is busy but if the doctors are not treating Covid or administering Covid inoculations why can’t they see people with other illness and health complaints.

“The text was discouraging people from contacting the very people they need.”

Lindley Group declined to comment.

Health chiefs at Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group were approached for comment.

Practice

Last year they urged patients to not avoid going to their GP in case things like undiagnosed cancer were missed.

At the time, Dr Steve Ollerton, GP and Chair of Greater Huddersfield CCG said: “If you have concerns about a medical condition or need advice you should contact your GP practice as soon as possible.

“A delay in treatment can pose a risk to longer term health, so don’t put it off. Appointments are available from 8am to 6.30pm on weekdays, in the evenings and at weekends.

“Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients, but you may be asked to discuss your conditions over the phone or online first to assess what would be most appropriate for you.”

The text was discouraging people from contacting the very people they need