Local Liberal Democrat Crompton Councillor Louie Hamblett has written to Oldham’s Clinical Commissioning Group in his capacity as Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care in regards to Royton and Crompton family practice telephone issues.
His letter dated 9th of September asks as to what actions are being taken in regards to Royton and Crompton family practice (based in Royton) being unable to answer their phone lines and their dire ability to correspond with patients, local pharmacies and other health professionals.
Mike Barker Oldham’s Chief Operating Officer for Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group responded to Councillor Hamblett following on from his initial correspondence, in which he asked what actions are being taken to resolve your constituents’ problems contacting their GP by phone following the recent merger of Royton and Crompton Family Practice and The Parks Medical Practice.
Mike Barker said: “I was sorry to learn of this dissatisfaction and I thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention. Regrettably, following the merger of the two practices on 24 August 2020, there was significant disruption to the telephone lines. This was due to a failure to change and reconfigure the telephone lines which resulted in the number of telephone lines into the merged practice effectively being reduced from six to three. Clearly this affected the practices ability to answer telephone calls in a timely manner and resulted in many patients and other health professionals finding themselves in a position that they could not be connected.”
Councillor Hamblett is pleased to report: “The reason for the failure to update the lines is being looked into. However, by 4 September 2020, the total number of telephone lines into the practice was restored to six and the telephone lines are now fully operational. Hopefully this should help improve the situation.”
“It really is not good enough; people have had the stress of being moved from their practice’s location and then cannot contact or have meaningful communication with the new practice location. I do hope the situation improves and I will be monitoring it closely.”
21.9.20 This morning I tried to book an appointment for a lu jab. The number was permanently engaged for at least 15 mins. Then when I got through I was listening to the recorded message for another 15 minutes before a human being answered. Prior to that \i was trying last Wednesday on my mobile phone at about 6 pm but hung up after 3/4 of an hour. It cost me a fortune.
Will make sure this is passed on, many people have said it is no better. Many thanks for letting us know.
Originally I was refused an appointment on a Friday by the receptionist even though I was having trouble swallowing and had to go the Oldham Walk In Centre on a Sunday when I was having trouble breathing the doctor gave me some antibiotics and told me to demand an appointment with my GP immediately.
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on the 9th December 2019 after 5 months of delays originally from Royton and Crompton practice not referring me inside the 2 weeks urgent referral. I had my operation on the 4th March and after problems with the operation sent home on the 8th March.
I went back to see the Consultant in July this year, he said everything had healed well but the cancer could come back. I told him I was getting severe pain at the base of my ear and HE SAID I needed to see my doctor as it looked like a middle ear infection.
Rang my doctors and gave this information to the receptionist who said I could not see the doctor even though the specialist said I needed to. I was given a ring back by a GP who prescribed a spray for my outer ear.
This did not work I rang back and another doctor would not see me even though I mentioned the Consultant saying I needed to see one, just gave me antibiotics and suggested I see the dentist WHY. Went to my dentist they could find nothing wrong even after xrays at Rochdale.
What are you supposed to do to get an appointment at this practice with a doctor? I am wondering has the cancer spread.
Very sorry to hear this. Have now raised this myself with senior health officers.
Councillor Louie Hamblett
Hi all many thanks for your comments on here I shall relay them back to Oldham CCG and question again as to what exactly is going on and why are the patients of the practice still receiving a poor service
Thanks and appreciated.