I moved into the area served by The Green recently and registered at that practice, as it is within walking distance of my house; I suffer with severe anxiety and agoraphobia, which makes it almost impossible for me to visit the surgery, or to make contact by telephone, therefore I registered for the online appointment service advertised. When I received my login information, I went online and discovered that there was only one appointment available in the next month and that the appointment was not at the surgery where I registered, but at another branch a few miles away. I discovered also that it is not possible to request a home visit online. Even though I have never met any of the medical staff at this surgery, it is clear that it does not offer a service which I can use. I must say, though, that the receptionist I met when I (after two weeks of summoning the courage to walk through the surgery door) registered was very friendly and understanding; it's just a pity that they didn't make me aware that agoraphobics are not welcome!
Original Comment Report...

I joined this surgery as I live within two minutes' walk of the surgery; however, I discovered that it is virtually impossible online to book an appointment at The Green, instead being asked to travel to the Bolsover site. I need to book appointments online because my mental condition prevents me from initiating telephone calls (and my agoraphobia makes visiting the surgery extremely difficult and stressful also, especially when these trips are wasted). On the one successful appointment I was able to get (at Bolsover), I was given the first of two vaccinations; however, when I attempted to make an appointment to receive the second vaccination, I was told that it was not in stock. I made several enquiries and was finally told to go private - I survive on benefits, so even if I were not a socialist who finds the very idea of private medicine abhorrent, I would not be able to afford it. In this instance, the first vaccination was wasted as without the second, I am not immunised! I was also advised that my blood pressure is dangerously high, but when I returned to the surgery for an appointment to which I was summoned (I did not request it), the doctor was not even aware of the reason for my visit, much less able to discuss the results of my tests. When I raised the issue, I received a response which ignored the issue and patronised me by telling me how my autism affects me (I've lived with it for almost 58 years, so know more about how it affects me than a doctor who has never met me can possibly know). Being a patient at this surgery caused my issues to be exacerbated; I have removed myself from the patient list (as it is not fit for purpose) but have no prospect of finding another, as the stress of dealing with this practice has left me totally agoraphobic and completely housebound.
Original Comment Report...