Readers have their say on appointments

Sinn Fein recently launched an online survey asking people to share their experience of getting an appointment with their GP, and when The Leader posed the same question on Facebook the reactions were mixed.

Some people said they had had to wait two weeks for an appointment at Banbridge GP surgery and one none-too positive view in Dromore was that: “Dromore Dr surgery is diabolical too! You now need to know 2-3 weeks in advance your gonna be sick before u can get an appointment.”

However, others said of Banbridge that they could always get an emergency appointment when they really needed it.

“I’ve a seriously ill daughter and if she needs a doctor I always find Banbridge surgery will fit her in and she will be seen that day,” said Joann Clydesdale, while Emma McLaughlin commented: “Banbridge doctors I always get an appointment if I ring at 8am, always get a cancellation and if not the doctor rings me back within a hour.”

“Banbridge doc is good when you have sick children.. but not good if you’re looking appointment for adult you can wait up to 2weeks for one,” observed Nadine Ann Baird.

Kathryn Elizabeth Wilson has not had a good experience when trying to contact the local GP. “It takes at least two weeks to get an appointment and when I had to ring for an emergency appointment last week it took me, wait for it, 84 calls before I managed to get through to the receptionist.”

Kim McVeigh commented: “A long wait in Banbridge. Never appointments available when you need them and is a week wait.” Sandra Smylie added: “When I need an appointment in Banbridge I just go up and sit and wait and almost every time I get seen to within the hour.”

“Scarva Street surgery in Loughbrickland is brilliant for getting an appointment. Two days has been the latest for me,” said Tasha Curran.

The survey can be accessed through Facebook at Upper-bann Sinn Féin or by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/L8M2H7D