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Post by artisans on Oct 31, 2008 12:29:27 GMT 2
Last autumn we returned to the UK, having spoken to our GP and reserved a 'flu injection at his suggestion. When we got there, the receptionist told us that they had no more injections and we had to go without. Not being 'shrinking violets', we persisted and finally got what we had been promised. Always there is hassle, and we wondered what would happen this year, almost frightened to ring up and ask.
Well that was until yesterday! We saw a notice offering injections in a pharmacy window in Corfu Town, walked in off the street, stood in the shop for two minutes and walked out again with protection and a plaster that cost just 7 euros each. No messing around, no delay, do it immediately - if ever there is a time to act, when is it? NOW! To my mind, it was 7 euros well spent, if only to avoid the confrontation with staff in UK surgeries.
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parsonsgang
Roda Anorak
Roda Riddler 2009 - 2013
Posts: 1,722
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Post by parsonsgang on Oct 31, 2008 12:38:31 GMT 2
I tried to book a flu jab at the doctors last week and was told they only had one appointment left at 3.10pm one day next week. Not much good when the kids finish school at 3.20. That was their last injection and they didn't know if or when the next batch would be coming in. Nikki
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Post by artisans on Oct 31, 2008 12:40:02 GMT 2
So typical of our experiences also, Nikki.
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jacks
Roda Anorak
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Post by jacks on Oct 31, 2008 12:44:37 GMT 2
I'm lucky, I work for the NHS, so we get it free every year. Phoning on Monday to see if I can get an appointment this year - where I was based b4, they just did a walk in clinic, but I've moved now & am having to book an appointment, so I'll see how I get on.
That's amazing though. I might just fly out to Corfu for mine in future! lol
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Post by artisans on Oct 31, 2008 12:49:30 GMT 2
I think that by the time you add up all the 'phone calls, the petrol and the blood pressure tablets - 7 euros is a good deal!
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Post by donbrindles on Oct 31, 2008 13:54:41 GMT 2
Clearly the standard of service provided by GP surgeries around the uk varies enormously. It shouldn't of course - so long as the same standard of service everywhere aspires to the best rather than worst that patients experience. Just for the record, I had a letter recently from my local NHS Trust, informing me about the availability of flu jabs and, if relevant, pneumonia vaccination, from my GP.
I turned up at the surgery on the appropriate date and time - no appointment necessary - and had my flu jab within 5 minutes. I enquired about the pneumonia vaccination. No problem...a fresh batch had arrived that morning - done immediately, and free. I left the surgery satisfied and impressed...and with aching left and right arms!
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Post by lynda101 on Oct 31, 2008 14:18:05 GMT 2
My surgery does a drop in clinic they write to inform you when it is and you just turn up!!!! the last time I had one though I had a bad reaction to it so I take may chances now!!!!! lynda
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2008 13:47:27 GMT 2
Our surgery informs Elaine and I online. The surgery has a website, and it is placed up on the news sheets, and we get a bulk email. Those who do not have online facilities are informed by either letter, or the surgery newsletter, or by the GP on a visit.
We have to book at time on one of four Saturday mornings. The appointments are staggered at 5 minutes intervals, but this is only to ensure a steady flow throughout the morning.
Of course I get mine free being diabetic, and Elaine does also because she works in a Pharmacy, subject to all nasties.
It is great to know that this facility is in Corfu at a small cost, and available. Perhaps if the UK were to make a small charge there would be more vaccinations to go round. I certainly would not mind paying a small fee.
Regards, Chris
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Post by kernowman on Nov 1, 2008 14:37:09 GMT 2
I can get a flu jab in Cornwall for a fee- £25 would you believe. Greece sounds a much better deal
kernowman
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Post by artisans on Nov 1, 2008 16:27:42 GMT 2
Health tourism to Corfu sounds like a profitable enterprise.
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Post by artisans on Nov 1, 2008 17:03:44 GMT 2
Hi Chris - are you sure that your surgery is in the UK? - it is so unlike the one we have used. Our GP refuses categorically to give us the surgery email address because 'he can't guarantee to respond on time'.
In Corfu, every doctor we have ever seen gives us their office number, their email address and even their personal mobile number with the instruction that we are to ring them at any time. We have never done so once, but it comforting to know that we can.
Steve
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2008 0:59:23 GMT 2
Absolutely Steve. They set up a website about 2 years ago, and one can do everything on there except make appointments. But then the telephone system they have is brilliant for that. One can phone at 8am, and have an appointment for 8.30 or whenever.
Prescriptions can be ordered online, and stays they registered under a password.
They really do have a good system. Even when I mention it in the UK, friends and family are quite stunned to hear of it. Some friends have even swapped doctors to be at our surgery.
Regards, Chris
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Post by artisans on Nov 2, 2008 9:58:44 GMT 2
Would they make house calls to Wales, Chris? Steve
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2008 17:22:28 GMT 2
Knowing the surgery Steve, it would not surprise me, ;D Yeiamas, Chris
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