Girlfriends doctor has no idea. How to complain?

[JoeyJoeC]

My girlfriend has been to the doctor for swelling in her mouth / throat. It's clearly visible and she is in pain from it, and can't eat.

 

The doctor told her there wasn't anything wrong with her (was almost saying she was lying about it), and she must have just got a reaction to some spicy food she ate.

 

Well it's been a week, she has been in more pain than ever, unable to eat. Reading online seems like it's a salivary duct stone as it happens more when she eats.

 

So she went to the doctor again today who still didn't have a clue. After she mentioned about the stone, he asked her if she had broken any bones?!

 

Shes going to A&E now.

 

Is there a complaints procedure?

[Sparks_]

Is there another GP in the practice she can get a second opinion from?

[JoeyJoeC]

Apparently it's random who she gets to see.

 

Shes gone to A&E now, so we will wait to hear from that.

[JoeyJoeC]

She's been taken in as "Urgent" now... Definitely not sure this doctor should be in practice!

[rebel11]

Hi joey

 

http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Yourchoices/GPchoice/Pages/GPcomplaints.aspx

 

http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/complaints/Pages/NHScomplaints.aspx

[citizenB]

You should make a complaint to the Surgery's Practice manager in the first instance.

[nolegion]

She's been taken in as "Urgent" now... Definitely not sure this doctor should be in practice!

 

This sounds seriously alarming. Commiserations and best wishes. Sincerely hope things are now improving and that you will update when the time is right.

[havinastella]

Keep us updated as I'm nosey

[SHIRLI]

i hope your girlfriend gets the care she needs, be strong do not let them fob you off with " sorry you were not satisfied with the care you received this time " if people do not complain we will continue to receive substandard

care from the n.h.s and downright ignorance from all the complaints processes.

I will add though there are parts of the n.h.s that offer a superb service you just have to be lucky enough to stumble upon it.

[think about it]

My girlfriend has been to the doctor for swelling in her mouth / throat. It's clearly visible and she is in pain from it, and can't eat.

 

The doctor told her there wasn't anything wrong with her (was almost saying she was lying about it), and she must have just got a reaction to some spicy food she ate.

 

Well it's been a week, she has been in more pain than ever, unable to eat. Reading online seems like it's a salivary duct stone as it happens more when she eats.

 

So she went to the doctor again today who still didn't have a clue. After she mentioned about the stone, he asked her if she had broken any bones?!

 

Shes going to A&E now.

 

Is there a complaints procedure?

 

Yes, absolutely. The best person to speak to initially is the Practice Manager. Please be aware that most of us PM's work part-time and so might not be there when you call. However, when you do ask to make an appointment to see them with regards to a complaint. Generally, they'll bring you in as soon as possible. There are stringent regulations in place that govern how we deal with complaints and they should be discussed with you so that you know what to expect. The rules tend to differ by health board area but not by much, so what you might like to do is find out which is your local health board and visit their website where you'll find all of the detail. You can also get help with complaining through organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.

 

Good luck getting it all sorted and I hope all is well with your partner.