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I sent a PM to James about the appalling state of affairs at DMC and heard back very quickly from him with the above details on how to make a formal complaint. Thank you James. I phoned the above number and explained the situation. They did say it would be good for other patients who have also experienced problems with this surgery to also register their complaints as obviously the more they get, the quicker they can escalate it. As I said, I phoned and it really didn't take very long - 10 mins at the most, but you can also email them. I do urge everyone to do the same as without formal complaints, the DMC will continue to spiral downwards in terms of their disregard to patient contact.

My son (only2) was unwell last night so I needed to get an appt today for him to see a dr. From previous experience of trying to get through on the phone, I decided to call my mum at 6.30 this morning for her to come and sit with my son whilst I went to the drs and queued outside at 7am for the doors to open at 8am. The reason I got there so early was because so many people now do the same thing as they realise trying the phone is pointless. By the time you get through, all the Appts have gone. The doors weren't opened til gone 8 as a woman arrived after that, apologising and saying it wasnt her fault as she was not due to arrive til 8.15. So where was the person who was meant to be there from 8? At first the computers weren't working so we all stood waiting (all 23 of us!). I asked, "So, whilst we are all stood here waiting having queued for over an hour, all the early appointments are being given out over the phone?". She told me, "No, don't worry, there's no one here to answer the phones so you'll get the first choice of appointments!". Unbelievable! So all those of you trying to get through but unable to, it was because there was no one there to answer your calls! I have never seen/heard such a chaotic, badly run, unprofessionally handled situation in my life. I was well aware of the other 22 unhappy people behind me so all I could say before I had to dash home to get my son was "You do realise that tis is an absolute farce don't you? That you work in the most dreadful surgery?" All she could say was she was sorry and it wasnt her fault. To cut a longer story short I got the contact details of the acting deputy practise manager (as the actual manager has left along with most of the office staff) and am going to email him. Not that I think it will make much difference but a surgery that seems to operate as it seems fit is ridiculous. To not answer the phones to potentially extremely unwell patients as you have no staff left is quite frankly mind boggling. And to witness first hand a woman with empysemia queuing in the cold from 7.15 as it was the only way she could get to see a dr is appalling. If anyone knows of who else I can inform of the shocking state of things here please do let me know. I am happy to PM James Barber too if that helps.

Another vote for Lizzie at Dulwich Therapy. My son suffered dreadfully with reflux and she was brilliant with him.

Sorry but cycling isn't allowed in the woods. I'm sure if you ask on here for some other routes though people will recommend other places to go.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I liked the look of beckenham spa but unfortunately the timetable doesn't offer anything during the times I need so will have a look at some of the other places. Many thanks.

Hi all! I currently take my 2 year old swimming in the Dulwich Leisure Centre. I can't do school pick up times or after that. The session that we currently go to I'm having to change so am trying to find another pool that we can go to that offers a swim at any time between 10-2. Loads of pools we've looked at there's nothing available as the pools are used for teaching, aquafit etc. can anyone suggest a pool (can drive, so would need parking, but don't want to go too far) that has swimming for little ones during these times? Many thanks.

I know the hostel at the top of Barry Road are always looking for volunteers to help with donations etc. phone Nancy on 07931 769173. She runs a nurse led clinic there and deals with all the donations. She would be hugely grateful for someone offering some time and help.

I just spoke to the school to see if it was going to be a regular thing but apparently it was a council organised 'Play out on the streets' thing and was just a one off so it won't be all the time!

I was caught up in it yesterday too coming from the south circular and trying to go along turney road. Traffic was directed up and down Dalkeith road but as it is such a narrow road there was chaos. Two vans trying to pass each other so the traffic in both directions was at a standstill. Took me 20 minutes to get back onto turney road! I appreciate that they may have to close the road but some signs further down at the south circular would have been helpful. Plus, trying to direct two lanes of a fairly well used road down a very small side road is not a great solution.

There has been a bad accident in Tulse Hill/Brixton Hill apparently and the South Circular has been closed. This is causing surrounding roads to be gridlocked. The traffic extends up to Lordship Lane. A journey that should take 15mins just took 45. So avoid this area if you can.

Hi all. Hoping to get some ideas for a present for a first time mum to be for her baby shower - either a present for her or for baby. I know when I had my son, I was inundated with clothes for baby, so was hoping to get something a bit more personal or useful? Also, not knowing at this stage whether it's a boy or girl so would have to be something that covers both. Am open to home made suggestions too! Thanks!

I thought I would just give a quick reminder to all the lovely folk of the Family Room, that if you have any unwanted baby/childrens items, either clothing or toys or equipment(particularly pushchairs) then this hostel is desperately in need of donations. It is an extremely worthy place and all donations are always met with such warm thanks and appreciation. Also, if anyone has some time on their hands, they are desperate for volunteers to help with the donations they receive. Nancy's number is listed in this thread should anyone wish to volunteer or donate. Thanks!

http://www.sixteenfeet.co.uk/portfolio/alice-in-the-walled-garden-2/ https://kiosk.iristickets.co.uk/k?v=sixteenfeet&item_type=103&general_event_event=Alice&ka=2013

I often am around Herne Hill and frequent the shops there so am very sorry for the devastating effect that the flooding has had on all the local business' and homes. Sorry, I'm a bit clueless about these things, is there a way to follow your updates if we're not on Twitter?

NicoleS Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I missed this but would love to meet up with some > other stay at home mums. My baby is 11 months old, > and all but one of my mum friends are going back > to work. I work from home part time but only very > few hours so I am available most of the time. Let > me know if you have another meet up. Nicole x It hasn't happened yet NicoleS - it's this afternoon at 3pm so you could still make it!

I'd love to come along too with my son, who's 2. See you all on Tuesday! Looks like there might be quite a big crowd of us!

Read this in today's Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2358599/Alien-eating-garden-home--And-dont-dare-try-kill-dreaded-Japanese-knotweed.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2358599/Alien-eating-garden-home--And-dont-dare-try-kill-dreaded-Japanese-knotweed.html

Thanks everyone! I'm not normally afraid of spiders and whilst it wasnt the biggest I've ever seen it just looked unlike the normal spiders I see around the house/garden. so of course i got myself paranoid that I'd brought home a deadly, exotic spider courtesy of my bananas from Sainsburys! However, it is almost identical to the picture djkillaqueen posted so I'm sure I have nothing to worry about!

Any spider experts out there able to tell me what sort of spider this is?

I'm going to be dropping off some things to the hostel, probably tomorrow, so if anyone has anything they would like to donate but aren't able to bring it themselves, please PM me and I'd be happy to come and bring it for you - it really is such a great cause.

Once you're in, you can never leave!

Also recently flown with Monarch and brought our car seat with us. Along with a buggy, it's an allowed extra. It gets booked in as oversized luggage but you are not charged any extra - it's worth either wrapping it up somehow to protect it though or buying a car seat 'bag' (saw a couple of other flyers with these putting them over their car seats).

Just a thought for those whose little ones won't drink cows milk or whose mums are reluctant to give formula, I gave my son goat's milk. It was actually suggested to me by a cranial osteopath who saw my son who was suffering from severe reflux at the time and we never looked back. It took him a couple of days to get used to but he loved it after that. We got it from Health Matters in a powder form. Might be worth a try?

Just been there today and there was no sign of them working I'm afraid. Seems to be the same with all the various water play areas around here - dont seem to open til the 'height' of summer, but which time no doubt it will be raining!