I had always relied on the support and trust of my local GP surgery to assist with my health concerns. They had been a beacon of hope during some challenging times. However, a recent experience left me feeling helpless and disregarded.

When I filed valid complaints against a GP at a local surgery, instead of addressing them internally in the correct manner (and whilst the complaints were still ongoing), they ignored the complaint, instead nominating the GP under complaint to be put forward on the Local Medical Committee (LMC) as a member.

I wondered at the time why the responses came slow to the complaints - you 'mattered less' than the Doctor - a clear message, not in patients' interests nor in resolving complaints.

I later found out the same Doctor, once having been elected; and whilst my own complaint was still ongoing and unresolved, had another prior existing serious complaint against her - so that made 2.  Yet the surgery still had forwarded the Doctor to be the representative voice - is that right?

What did that say about the surgery? 

This left me feeling alienated from a system that should be dedicated to patient care and resolution.

GP surgeries are the frontline of healthcare, and patients rely on them for trust and transparency.  When patients voice concerns, they deserve to have their issues resolved directly and transparently within the practice.  It’s essential that GP surgeries maintain their responsibility to handle complaints efficiently and fairly.

This recent discovery grossly undermined patient confidence and trust but also strains the relationship between patients and their local surgeries.

Let's propose a structured protocol for GP surgeries, emphasizing the need for full, complete internal investigation, with more patient imput, advocacy and resolution of complaints before considering nominating Doctors as LMC members.  Also to ensure that if there are complaints - consider whether the GP should be forwarded for conflicts of interest; poor complaint handling etc.

This would uphold the integrity of the patient-surgery relationship and ensure more timely and compassionate responses to patient concerns.

By signing this petition, you can help make a change in the healthcare complaint process, ensuring GP surgeries take their direct responsibilities seriously and prioritize patient care and satisfaction.