Concerning
My experience with Aughton Surgery has been a source of significant concern, particularly regarding the ability to access a doctor and the overall standard of care. The current system makes it very difficult to get a physical appointment or even speak with a doctor directly. My recent health issue, a suspected infected bite that may be Lyme disease, was diagnosed and treated with a 21-day course of antibiotics based solely on a text exchange and pictures. This lack of in-person consultation for what could be a serious condition is deeply worrying and feels like a lack of due diligence. My foot gradually worsened, and while the reception team was friendly and helpful, a doctor was unavailable to review it as they were on home visits. This forced me to seek help elsewhere. I ended up going to the walk-in center at Ormskirk Hospital, where the team was excellent and saw me within five minutes of my arrival. Interestingly, while I was waiting at the walk-in center, I received a call from Aughton Surgery requesting more pictures of my foot. However, since I informed them that I preferred to be seen by a doctor in person, there has been no follow-up whatsoever. This lack of continuity and communication is particularly concerning. Overall, I am very worried about the standard of care at this surgery. The inability to speak with a doctor, the practice of prescribing medication without a full physical examination, and the lack of follow-up after I sought external care all point to a significant lapse in what I consider a basic duty of care. I am now seriously considering moving to a different practice or, in the future, requesting a direct referral to a specialist hospital like Renacres.