Sheppy16

So... I'm a father of a 7 month old boy and in September we had many reasons to visit the DMC. However, we were able to get appointments by waiting outside from about 7.40am. I'm quite shocked to read about the recent morning queues and wonder quite why that has come about? The new phone system clearly does not work, hour long phone queues are pathetic but why was the new system installed if it was to be so much worse than the previous system (which was poor)? I would have been at the meeting if I wasn't in an inflexible job but it seems the meeting wasn't really well advertised: as a patient at the practice I would have expected formal notification from the surgery itself rather than to hear about it on a forum. Clearly something is going wrong here. The management needs either to open their eyes or to pass the job on to more suitable candidates (including some of the receptionists who are extremely rude and unhelpful). Maybe the patients at the practice (myself included) need to back off a bit and/or find another practice. We have had excellent care at the DMC and don't wish to move practice. When I can I will complain to the NHS, but only after trying to make an appointment. Any further details of the outcome of said meeting? Maybe the elderly people have the same issues with the system as us young parents?

I am regular London driver and I was involved in an incident with cyclists a few days ago in another part of town. I feel that the OP's post highlights a massive problem on London's roads that are exacerbated by the Cycle Superhighways. I have been "undertaken on the left" by cyclists on a number of occasions seemingly oblivious to my intentions as a driver and I feel that this issue needs to be addressed - not that I am saying that it is the fault of the cyclist, but this situation makes it extremely likely that accidents will happen. Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident in which I was involved and the fault was mostly down to the cycle superhighway! I stopped whilst indicating to turn across the lane of cyclists when one of them stopped suddenly fearing the worst. She then got another cyclist or two crashing into her causing a few cuts and bruises. I didn't turn at all and no one hit me but I know that this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't wanted to turn left. I have no idea what the solution is, other than training and enforcement of regulations such as HELMETS. That and putting the cycle lanes in the middle of the road - not even sure that would be any good. I urge drivers to be vigilant and aware and cyclists to realise it is they that will come off the worse in any situation so be ultra-cautious.

Thank you, I've just wandered about the streets and found an old sign with a telephone number of the recovery company used by the contractors. The car had been taken one street away. There was also a white Mercedes with the same notice on if anyone's looking for that! Cheers

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Hi, My blue Honda Jazz, reg CA04SVU, disappeared from outside 83 Barry Road in the last couple of days. I've noticed new tarmac on the road and wonder if it has been moved for roadworks. I've tried the 'trace' phone number - no luck so far. If any has seen it or has any further info on whether things may have been moved this week, please let me know! Thanks! Gareth

During to roadworks the other night on Barry Road I saw a car moved by a truck, presumably so it wasn't in the way of the work. They moved it up to around No.81 - 83 and I presumed that they'd let the owner know. However, it's still there so, if the owner thinks it's been nicked...it hasn't! It's a dark metalic blue, X registration, hatchback with a sticker that says "rhythm riders" or something. Hope this helps