Forum Topic

Health centre

My wife called the W4 Health Centre this morning and was informed that it was not accepting any appointments as the staff were off sick and she shoudl go to A&E.What is happening to the NHS? How is such a situation possible - and acceptable?

Robin Knight ● 1248d18 Comments

The health centre was due to close on 17 April. Was it the new one in Stamford Brook you were in touch with?

Diane Brown ● 1248d

The Health Centre is now surrounded by a temporary metal fence, so definitely closed. There are signs directing patients to Stamford Brook.

Bernard Gutzewski ● 1248d

I was getting the same message trying too book with West 4 GP's back at the end of February into early March.

Steve Townsend ● 1248d

Yes.Surely someone (that is, a doctor) should be working at the Health Centre? Don't they have a duty of care under NHS regulations?

Robin Knight ● 1248d

"Surely someone (that is, a doctor) should be working at the Health Centre?"Not when it is closed and soon to be demolished -http://www.chiswickw4.com/default.asp?section=info&page=conhealthcentre013.htmThe new health centre is scheduled to open in Autumn 2024.

Richard Greenhough ● 1248d

Whilst I do not know of the current situation re appointments, I think that the service at the W4 practice is excellent. I have received prompt replies, a face to face appointment within an hour of calling and medication immediately following the appointment. I have found all the staff to e extremely helpful.

Stewart Jones ● 1248d

A face to face appointment within an hour of calling! When? Five years ago? If recently, I can only say you've been extremely lucky!

Robert Fish ● 1248d

Have also had good experience of W4 GPs in the last year:  a doctor's appointment the same day I phoned III (or whatever it is) and then weekly follow ups with the nurses.  All excellent. Not at all what the press would have you believe.

Vivienne Cox ● 1248d

The follow-up is indeed good. Getting to see a GP in the first place I have often found to be very difficult.

Robert Fish ● 1248d

February

Stewart Jones ● 1248d

I phoned West 4 GPs yesterday morning for an non-urgent appointment. Spoke to someone within a few minutes after selecting '2' for appointments  they advised the initial consolation would be via phone and I would be contacted that morning by a doctor. They sent a link for me to upload photos. All worked perfectly, I was phoned mid-morning, doctor had my photos and I now have a follow up appoint F2F to come. They advised the temporary building with the address and advised me of transport / parking options.Great service.

Hayden Potier ● 1248d

No problems with W4 gps. Went to temporary Health Centre for a blood test on Tuesday didn’t have to wait. Had a phone call from GP 2 weeks ago . All good from my point of view.

Maureen Yakoubi ● 1248d

None of the above seems relevant to my wife's call yesterday. To repeat: she was informed by a receptionist that no appointment could be made as all the staff were off sick and she should go to A&E.

Robin Knight ● 1247d

Which practice is she with? There were three at the former health centre.

Diane Brown ● 1247d

Robin this no help to you now and I’m not in anyway telling you what to do..If yours wife rang the Stamford Brook centre and was given that information then that’s very bad and should be followed up.Last year I was advised to ring 111 who will assess how urgent your needs were, as they can find you a doctors appointment at any GP in your area.I don’t belong to any of the three practices in the Chiswick Health centre but 111  found me an appointment at the Holly Road Surgery at 7pm that evening.To tell a patient to go to A&E when their snow under with emergencies seems very wrong to me, unless you wife was considered an emergency by the receptionist

Bernard Allen ● 1247d

The main one - Dr. Chisholm etc

Robin Knight ● 1245d

No, she just wanted to see a doctor for the first time in three years to discuss various things. If they had agreed, an appointment could have been in 1 or 2 months time - she just wanted to see a doctor!

Robin Knight ● 1245d

Glad it worked for you. Aparently other surgeries in the Chiswick area are getting many new patients disaffected by w4gps sicne the Stamford Brook move. One day there will be a gleaming new Health Centre in Chiswick. Hope my wife is around to experience it.

Robin Knight ● 1245d