"Lack of empathy"

In October I tried to make an appointment for severe back pain and was told only available appointment was the following Wednesday, which I had to accept. On the Saturday, I ended up at Kings Mill Hospital due to the pain at 4. 00 am. On the Monday a doctor came to see me at home as I was in agony with sciatica in my back and down my legs. I informed the doctor I had got an appointment on Wednesday, which she told me to keep, so I could take in a water sample and get a sickness certificate for work.

Unable to drive myself, my parents came over to take me. When I arrived at the GP surgery I was told I did not have an appointment as a doctor had been out to see me on the Monday and that the Wednesday appointment had been cancelled, I certainly had not cancelled it.

I was then told I could not see a doctor as there had been a paramedic incident and that it was very busy. I was in considerable pain, which was evident, as when I did get to see the doctor, he commented that I did not look well.

I found the receptionist to be unsympathetic, with a lack of empathy and I was clearly a problem to them. I feel I had to be very assertive to get to see a doctor when I really was not feeling well enough to argue over an an appointment that someone, unknown to me, had cancelled.

I have never before had a home visit from a GP or been in need of so much medical attention and do not consider myself a regular visitor to the GP practice.

My complaint is not about the care I received by the GP but the uncaring way I was treated by the Receptionist.