"Need more available appointments"

 A short time ago I needed an emergency appointment at my medical clinic but there were none.

What do I do? I found it frustrating that I could neither get an appointment nor speak with one of the doctors at my centre.

Having experienced the greatest of care and attention, this seemed such a small request under the circumstances – and such a small thing for the clinic to fall down upon.

The reception staff members are very caring and do their best to fit everyone in the rosters – in this area I believe we have many elderly patients and, as everyone knows, even the best-laid plans go astray now and then.

But, there is talk amongst these patients while in the waiting room and all say the same thing – we need more spaces left for the unexpected. Not one waiting patient worried about the wait time between patients but, all agreed on extending the emergency appointments. And, possibly more doctors in our practice to cope with the volume of work – but therein lies another problem, getting doctors for country areas – even though we live in the best area! I feel it is important that a doctor speaks good English because it is frustrating to both parties when communication is very limited.

Is this a good time to ask for more specialist to visit country areas?

When an appointment eventually comes, it usually involves seeing someone from the same department, who then says we will contact you later. Most of us have had MRI’s and X-rays done and forwarded on to the specialist department. Yes, they receive them but, we still face that nine-hour return trip often getting home after midnight exhausted, and told the wait time for treatment could be two years or over. Many of us thought sending this information by e-mail would save a nine-hour return trip to Melbourne – but I believe it doesn’t. So much for technology. Country people have worked all their lives without many of the privileges available now. Perhaps it is time to look further into this.

Please consider the points I have risen in this note. I thank you for your time.