I have worked in the medical field for nearly 2 decades, and through managing the private medical practices of several senior consultants in Preston, I have had to work with all the local GP practices.
I only recently became a patient of Lostock Hall MC (LHMC) after moving to the area, and I was initially quite nervous about transferring my care to a new sur...
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I have worked in the medical field for nearly 2 decades, and through managing the private medical practices of several senior consultants in Preston, I have had to work with all the local GP practices.
I only recently became a patient of Lostock Hall MC (LHMC) after moving to the area, and I was initially quite nervous about transferring my care to a new surgery as I have quite complex medical conditions, and was worried about how it would affect my ongoing health care management and recovery. I also suffer with severe anxiety which can make it difficult for me to get to the surgery when I need to receive GP care, and makes it harder for me to communicate.
I need not have worried. The experience I have had, since I first registered 3-4 months ago has been outstanding. The staff are extremely professional, and they have taken care to read my notes, understand my medical history, conditions and also the wider factors in my life that are contributing to my health and wellbeing needs. They have initiated contact to organise my annual tests required for my ongoing medical care, and are imperative for making sure that the medication I take is delivered safely and is not causing any harm to my internal organs. This initiative and service is in contrast to other surgeries I have been a patient of, and have worked with in a professional capacity, which leave the responsibility of remembering that such tests are required, along with the scheduling of the same, to the patient themselves.
In particular, I have to praise Helen on reception. No matter the time of day, or how busy she is with her work, she is always ready to listen to the patient to understand their needs, and she will do her very best to help. Every time I have called, she has been exceptionally kind, patient, supportive and has always gone above and beyond to assist me. I have never encountered a receptionist, in any medical office, either on a professional or personal basis, that is more helpful, considerate or dedicated to helping the patient(s).
When a patient is in registered with a GP practice, their care is not solely the responsibility of the medically qualified professionals. Care should be provided by all colleagues who work at the practice, and whilst administrative staff cannot provide medical treatment or advice, they can provide care through effective, compassionate, respectful, responsible and patient communication with their service users. By doing so, they help reduce the stress and anxiety a patient is feeling due to their health needs- whether acute or chronic. Helen personifies this philosophy, and, as a result, her reception is the calmest, most efficiently managed GP surgery reception I’ve ever experienced. I can think of several other practices in the locality that could benefit from her mentoring!
Overall, I am now very glad that I have moved to Lostock Hall Medical Centre, as I am confident that my health and ongoing care is in the best hands. I know that I have access to appointments when needed and can trust in the triage system to assess my presentation and schedule my attendance at a suitable time/ date. I know my voice is heard, that my needs are responded to, and not belittled or dismissed entirely. Most importantly, I know that myself, and all patients registered at LHMC, are respected, and our health and wellbeing is a priority for everyone who works at the surgery.
I cannot recommend this surgery more highly.
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