"Viral Chest Infection and Eye Infection"

I have had a viral chest infection since March and had declined medication but had seen Nurse at GP who advised no treatment. In the meantime I had cataract surgery on both eyes but the right eye became badly infected and very painful. As this was over a weekend I was unable to see my GP even on a late night!

My family thought I should seek help so they suggested I call 111. The call was handled courteously and efficiently following a series of questions. Operator then called back and I spoke to an out of hours Doctor who coincidentally I had spoken to before! He made an appointment for me at St. Helier at 12 noon (Sunday) but I had to wait.

The young female duty Doctor was unsure about my condition so telephoned the Eye Department at St. George's Hospital Tooting and I was asked to drive myself there. Although I am 68 I managed to do this even only with the sight of one eye. Unfortunately I had to wait about 3 hours there to be seen. The staff there prescribed three different types of medication which I then had to go to an out of hours chemist at Surbiton to collect! Sadly the Rosehill Pharmacy duty Pharmacist did not show up to open the chemist at 5. 00; finally arrived at 6. 15 and then advised he did not have the medication! ! I was in very bad pain and discomfort but managed to get the medication and get home by 8. 00 pm.

The whole day was taken from being in bed, calling 111, getting a 12 noon appointment and then following their instructions.

I cannot fault the service but my issue is that well paid GPs should offer to work 24 hour shifts on a rota basis in order to provide an out of hours service for emergency cases like mine who do not need urgent surgical hospital treatment. My case could have been dealt with far more quickly and easily by my being able to see my GP.