The Healthwatch Cumberland team recently heard from a member of the public, who told us her story of having a series of health concerns, including a lung condition. She expressed feeling like her GP surgery were not taking these concerns seriously enough:
"I have had a series of health issues starting from when I had a fall a while ago. I lay outside in the cold in agony, I couldn’t move. Eventually I managed to make my way back inside and call my GP. They told me to just take paracetamol.
The GP I spoke to said my neck injury was just about my age, and I was told I was wasting the staff’s time.
I was still in agony a month later.
I felt like no one was listening to me. I had to ask for an x-ray in the end and was eventually told I had a neck fracture in multiple places at Newcastle RVI.
More recently, I have been experiencing some issues with chest pain. I went to my GP surgery, and they told me to speak to my asthma nurse instead. I was feeling very out of breath, but I didn’t think it was asthma related.
I was given another inhaler, but due to the pain and feeling breathless, I couldn’t move a lot. At the same time, I was looking after my husband, who needs care due to his back condition.
It was over a bank holiday weekend that my chest pain got really bad, and I was struggling to breathe. I waited until Monday to call as I didn’t think anyone would answer over the bank holiday.
My lips were going blue.
I called the doctors surgery, and they told me to go to A&E. I felt very dismissed.
At A&E I was eventually seen and they asked me if I also had cramp in my legs. I told them I was getting night cramps which had been lasting a few weeks.
They told me I had a clot on my lung.
I was prescribed medication.
I contacted my GP surgery about my condition, and they told me it was just an “alleged” blood clot, even though I was eventually sent a diagnosis letter.
The specialist had told me I was lucky to be alive.
I sent a complaint letter to the surgery, mentioning the way they had dismissed my condition, and their response was that it was my fault. I have asked for a meeting with the practice manager multiple times but with no success.
I was told by the surgery to ‘go elsewhere’ for my care if I am not happy with their service.
My husband is also experiencing a lot of pain in his back at the moment and I am his carer. I have had to fight since November to get him some pain medication, and it’s taken weeks to get a response from the doctors."
Share your story:
Have you had a similar experience? Do you feel like your GP surgery is supportive and understands your health needs?
We would love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]
Call: 0300 303 8567