An Oakham resident has shared an open letter to Oakham Medical Practice in lieu of multiple frustrations at the "failing" system that she deems "simply unacceptable".

On the 19th of April 2022, Harriet Flather shared an open letter to Oakham Medical Practice following 2 years of frustration at the medical care being received by patients of the surgery.

Harriet wrote:

"Dear Sirs,

"I am writing to raise a serious concern about the management of appointments at Oakham Medical Practice.

"Over the past 2 years, I understand that the NHS has been pushed to its limits, however there seems to be no excuse now for restricting appointments to the point where it is virtually impossible to see a doctor face to face.

"I have had several disappointing interactions with the surgery in the past 2 years, including being told there are no reviews for anti-depressant medication and that the prescription will just be reissued. Where is the care there for the patient's health?

"Recently, I have been in touch with a doctor regarding test results. An appointment was made for a telephone consultation, without any communication to myself that this appointment had been made. I found out by chance as I went onto the Practice app to order new medication. The day in question was one where I was unable to guarantee I could answer my phone and I was in an area of little to no signal. As such, I missed both of the doctor's calls.

"Today, I phoned the surgery to be put on the list for the doctor to call today. I was told they couldn't guarantee a time, and when I explained I would be unavailable at certain times of the day, was told it would be a "waste of an appointment" as I couldn't guarantee I would pick up. The outcome now is that I need to call again tomorrow, and begin the cycle again.

"I am fed up of having my health put at the mercy of the appointment system, which is failing patients in Rutland. The comment of being told it would be " a waste" made me feel like a nuisance to the Practice, and a time waster. I am neither. I am a patient whose needs are being disregarded. There is absolutely no excuse to not be able to see a doctor face to face at a named time, or even to be phoned at a named time. If we can see dentists, go into hospitals and live our lives normally in other areas, why can we not see a doctor?

"Oakham Medical Practice are letting their patients down, failing in their duty of care and making it harder and harder to even get in touch with the Practice. This is simply unacceptable.

"I know I am not alone in my opinions and feelings as I have seen multiple posts in Facebook groups with similar, and worse, experiences. I would like to see real changes made in the way appointments are scheduled, as well as explanation for the scarcity of face to face appointments.

"Harriet Flather"

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