I needed to obtain a repeat prescription from my GP practice. I know they want people to ring for this service after 11am as they are busy earlier with clinics.
I work full time so it is not always easy to take time out of work to ring.
I couldn't ring on Thursday morning but tried in the afternoon - but had forgotten the practice is closed and you get put through to the out of hours service. I did not have an opportunity to ring later that day.
On the Friday morning I was expected in a meeting at 11am so waited until 10.59am to ring.
I told the receptionist, who answered the phone, that I wanted a repeat prescription - she asked if I would ring back in a couple of minutes as it was not yet time.
I replied that I was at work and that would be difficult.
She then asked if I would hang on the phone for the couple of minutes.
I said why as it must be very near 11am by now.
She said if I could wait a few more seconds it would then be time.
I asked why again.
She said it was now time and what was my date of birth.
It was the most surreal conversation I have had. I am stunned that this lady could not see that as I was already on the phone and it was probably only 30 seconds before 11am - so why not take my request immediately.
Even though this incident only took a few minutes it was a waste of her and my time. She did not go and do anything else - she just stayed on the phone to me.
People who ring the service are not always sat at home or doing nothing, they are working and have commitments.
I think this incident showed a remarkable lack of insight and respect to customers of her practice.
"All I wanted was a repeat prescription"
About: Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT Bradford and Airedale Teaching PCT Bradford BD5 7JR Idle Medical Centre Idle Medical Centre Bradford BD10 8RU
Posted by Stunned (as ),
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