DMC Chadwick Road - new appointment 'system'

[oimissus]

sorry, I know there's a thread about DMC on the general page but oh my f**king god, they are a bloody shambles. I have got to put my entire day on hold to wait for a call from the doctor's and then an appointment - she's got a rash! It needs to be seen! The doctor can't see it down the telephone!!! Just give me a bloody appointment!!!!!!

and breathe.

[Hollybush]

I find the only way is to go there at 7.45 and wait outside - I rarely get an appointment by calling at 8. In a way I can see what they're trying to do with the system, but it's very tricky to work it if you haven't realised the child is sick by 7.30 or so, or if you can't get there.

The other option is the Lister walk in centre, usually an hour or so wait there though.

Hope you get sorted soon

[oimissus]

yes, I think you could be right - if I don't get an appointment today I'll have to get her up early tomorrow (she would never naturally be awake by then!) and walk down.

How this system is meant to work if you're at work I can't think. It's very frustrating - although it's annoying to be on hold for 10 minutes at 8, at least at the end of it you got an appointment, that day, and could get on with the rest of your day! What if they ring back when I'm in the car (or the loo!) and can't pick up? I suppose I go to the back of the list.

Sigh.

[oimissus]

one irate email to DMC later, I get a phonecall and a face-to-face appointment for this morning.

They are having a meeting about the new system and feeding back patients' views, so it looks like it's worth dropping them a line if you're not happy.

[supergolden88]

Is there an email? I got an appointment for my son yesterday (after waiting ages for phone line to clear) but my husband who was also calling about same thing (we had to double up to increase chances of getting through!) was given the whole Doc will call back spiel.