Frustration and queues at GP surgeries meeting
A PUBLIC meeting to address concerns over a group of GP surgeries has seen a huge turnout with queues to attend – but some patients have been left feeling frustrated by what they see as ‘tick box exercise’.
Representatives from Sovereign Health Partnership a trio of surgeries including Whiteley Surgery, the Jubilee Surgery in Titchfield, and the Highlands Road Practice – were on-hand at the drop-in event at the Holiday Inn last week, which was held to address barrage of complaints.
Residents have decried the service as becoming ‘shambolic’, with long telephone waiting times and severe difficulties in seeing a GP while patients have been suffering from conditions that later left them in hospital. The strength of feeling was reflected by hundreds of people attending last week’s event, with one clinical director hailing the ‘fantastic response’ – but some patients labelled the day as ‘lip service’ to real change.
Dr Tom Bertram, clinical director and GP Partner of Sovereign Health Partnership said: ‘It was a really busy day for everyone involved, but a great opportunity for us to talk to our patients… we are currently working through all of the feedback we received on the day and will be sharing updates with patients on developments.’
Fareham resident Kerry Stubbs attended to complain after her family had repeatedly struggled to make in-person doctors’ appointments, with her eight-yearold daughter suffering from a condition that requires daily medication.
Kerry said: ‘The queue was heading outside with 40 and 50 people waiting to come into the event.’ The healthcare group has taken on more staff in response to criticism, but Kerry said that residents feel that the service has not yet improved.
The 50-year-old said that opinions remained ‘bleak’ and added: ‘I feel that they are being very shielded about what they say and how they say it.’
Joe Waggott, who has been with the Jubilee Surgery for three and a half years and makes with recurring visits due to his spina bifida, agreed: ‘I think people were feeling frustrated.’
Dr Bertram said that ‘listening and learning isn’t just a one off ’ and would encouraged all patients to continue to provide their feedback either by emailing the surgery or attending a future event.