GP Federation (Suffolk)

GP suggested self referral regarding foot pain. Referral rejected. So how will I find out why I have foot pain for 6 months?

I had to wait quite some time to get this scan at Riverside. Walton was too far for me so this venue was more convenient, but it seems the demand is higher as I could have gone to Walton sooner. Staff here were pleasant enough.

It is mildly disconcerting turning up to a venue with no reception to check you in (At Walton). I had to call out that I was there. Someone eventually came out, who was the assistant to the person who did my scan. There was so little chat, it just made me feel uncomfortable. It was a worry to me already, but I did not feel at ease at all due to the quietness of the visit. Once the scan was done, they just said 'if you hear nothing in 10 days, call your GP.' That was it. Just was a very 'cold' atmosphere.

I was really very happy with the self referral process and was amazed how quickly I was seen. With in 6 weeks I'd been referred, had xrays and an operation which was amazing. The staff were wonderful, I saw the same people from the initial appointment through to the operation which was lovely.

The podiatry staff are great and I have regular check ups with them in Newmarket. They always explain things very well and I know what to do if I experience any problems.

Patient called us at HWS thinking they had reached the Bladder and Bowel service. They wished to cancel the order for pads, that they had been told they could do from the Nurse. However, the information they had, had no telephone number on it to assist them to do this. They were unaware that GP Fed ran the service. The team at HWS supplied them with a tel no for the Care Coordination centre.

I was referred by my GP and have been seen quickly at Drovers House. I've been very happy with the treatment and advice given so far.

Was able to access this locally in Wickham market. It was very easy to book as they keep an eye on me with regular check ups.

I had a referral one day from my GP and the very next day I had a call from the service based in Walton offering me my internal scan. I attended within 2 days. My issues was the shear lack of people. There is no reception, just a sign saying to go and sit down. I was on time, but as it had said to be there 10 mins before I was concerned that they may have thought I had not shown up. I could hear someone on the telephone so I yelled out to say I was there. They then came to get me. It just did not feel welcoming.
The staff were not particularly 'chatty' to help me feel more at ease. They did however explain everything. I felt fine and was offered a chaperone, although had not come with anyone, so a bit late to ask then!
I was just told to contact my surgery in a week if they did not contact me first. Nothing was disclosed, so has made me worry.

The service delivery was good. Kind people, introducing themselves by name.
The paperwork sent out in advance however needs to give you more information in advance to know what to expect. If you have never had an ultrasound before it could give you the wrong impression as it states 'internal' scan on the paperwork. I have had scans before when pregnant, but this threw me and I did feel a bit more anxious about it, being quite body conscious.
I would ask that they include a picture of a typical ultrasound with the cold gel being mentioned. It also says that no special preparation is needed. I would also suggest that they include advice about thinking about the clothes you are wearing to make the area being scanned easier to get to comfortably.