"I had a nasty fall in my home"

I had a nasty fall in my home in January 2022, breaking some ribs.  I required hospitalization for six days. I was prescribed morphine by syringe (mouth) and tablets along with patches and nebulizer along with paracetamol. My time in hospital was well and sympathetically looked after.

On my discharge I was given a fortnight's supply of the medication. When the fortnight was up I couldn't get a prescription signed -  no doctor available.

My daughter who had been staying with me rang at the end of the week to check with a doctor - the receptionist would speak to me later which they did. They asked me how I was managing with the morphine - I said I had not had any all week. I was  prescribed morphine tablets and patches which had to be collected by named person and taken to pharmacist. I was asked if I could ring in a fortnight and let them know how I was getting on. I tried a few times but when I got through the receptionist  there were no slots available even though the doctor had asked me to ring. They said she would put me on the '      ' list which never happened.

I just gave up and decided to write a letter to my own GP. I attached it to my repeat prescription and another GP rang me a week and a day later and said they had come across my letter last evening. They apologized and said that the doctor concerned had had a bereavement, but there are 4 others in the practice! They asked how I was and I didn't think I needed the morphine anymore (it made me nauseous anyway) They prescribed the patches, I am still taking paracetamol. 

Question is asked - "what could be better" - GP service, I know things are bad at present time. But we are human beings and need to be treated as such. I don't know whether or not they realize how sore broken ribs are? It is impossible to get an appointment so one just gives up.

After care, a lovely nurse from "Falls After Care Team" called and was more sympathetic and helpful for my aftercare, She could see I was quite an independent person, but left folder and explain about all that was in it. Called again to see how things were with me, the "after care"  pharmacist also rang to see how things were with me.

A+E staff were so helpful. the young doctor who saw me first was so kind as was the consultant who explained about ribs and the care they needed. 

I appreciate all that was done for me and thankfully I have recovered enough to driving again, GP surgeries are the stumbling block.                              .

Thankfully I do not need to see them as much.