Patient left out when books closed

Forum –

I have been going to a family doctor practice in Wyong for the past 58 years and in that time its name has changed, it has changed location, but the doctors have moved with the practice or retired.

My records have always followed with the practice.

Things have changed and I wanted to warn other people what could happen.

Recently I had a consultation with a doctor who told me I was unable to see her in the future as her books were closed.

She gave me scripts, organised a whooping cough injection and then I went to the reception to make another appointment for a doctor as a follow-up.

I was told the books were closed to the practice and they couldn’t make an appointment with any of the doctors.

This has resulted from the fact that one doctor has left the practice.

The thing that really galls me is that a person from Sydney was accepted into the practice within the past four months and also there are people who attend the practice who do not live in the area (Lake Macquarie) and there are probably more I do not know about.

Yet I have been going there for years and cannot get to see a doctor.

That’s what I call true loyalty.

The rest of my family continues to go to this practice but I have been ousted from it.

I am writing this as a warning to people who may be made doctorless when another doctors leaves.

Email, July 25
Sharon Smith, Wyongah