SOME patients in Bradford on Avon and Melksham claim their NHS healthcare is being placed at risk by the service offered by their local GPs.

Some have strongly criticised the time it takes to get through to their local Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership health centre to book a telephone consultation or obtain test results.

One patient, Mary Marsha, posted a message on social media saying she intends to make a formal complaint to the BOAMHP, Wiltshire Council, Healthwatch Wiltshire and the local NHS clinical commissioning group about the situation.

She said: “Ever since I've moved here I've found it extremely difficult to access health care and prescriptions and have seen that a few people have posted on here before about how unsatisfied they are with the healthcare available.

“To me, the problems seem to be inefficiency, under-resourcing and inequitable services. I want to be clear I'm not blaming the staff but how the services are structured.

“I get the impression a lot of people are dissatisfied with this service. If we can prove we have the numbers we might be able to start a dialogue with the council and NHS trust and bring about some real change.”

Other patients also complained about the wait they have while trying to access the health centre switch board to book a telephone consultation with a GP or nursing staff.

Dozens of patients said they had experienced similar problems, with some waiting up to two hours on the phone to book appointments or obtain the results of tests.

Wendy Mitchell said: “Took me almost an hour to get through just for blood test results last week. I fear someone is going to end up very poorly (or worse) based on how things are currently running.”

The BOAMHP said: “Like much of the NHS, we are experiencing very high call demand for appointments, and are doing all we can to ensure patients with more pressing care needs are seen as quickly as possible.

 “As well as recruiting extra members of staff, we are also improving our website so patients can have easier access to services such as test results and repeat prescription ordering if they wish to use this. Information can be found in the appointments section on the website.

“Patient care is our absolute priority and we would like to thank our local community for their continued support at this busy time.”