GP surgery unable to find their nebuliser - worth complaint?

[giraffesCantWearSuncream]

Today I attended my GP surgery due to an exacerbation of my asthma - I have type 2 brittle asthma. I know when it is appropriate to visit GP/OOH and when I need A&E, although sometimes GP/OOH will refer me to a ward if the treatment they try doesn't settle.

So this afternoon I phoned GP and explained my asthma was worsening and could I have an appointment as I suspected I needed steroids again.

Was taken right away when I arrived, was short of breath on exertion, wheezey, low peak flow in 200s - usually 475. Dr went and spoke to another Dr and agreed to try 5ml of ventolin and atrovent in nebuliser. (I have a nebuliser at home but only ventolin and saline for it) They went to get nebuliser and it ended wth 4 Drs out their rooms discussing where any of the nebulisers could possibly be. In the end my choice was go to A&E (where I would likely be admitted overnight as a precaution) or take a prescription for atrovent and go put it in my home neb and go to A&E if it didn't settle.

I was happy with that in this case as I am not bad enough for hospital. However I do think it is awful that they were unable to nebulise any patients that may have needed this! Not sure if I should write a letter so as this doesn't happen again. Apparently all the electrical equipment was being serviced yesterday and has been misplaced while this happened. The GP surgery are generally brilliant and have been invaluable in managing my chronic condition. SHould I flag this up with practice manager?

[topsi]

YES!

[lostblonde86]

Def Hun. Hope your feeling better now x

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

100% yes!

[giraffesCantWearSuncream]

Thanks, will do.

[Ginformation]

Sorry but not all GP surgeries have a nebuliser! We don't, we always send people to A & E if they need nebulising, sometimes in the back of a 999 ambulance.

[Sirzy]

Our GP doesn't have a nebuliser. There again our GP is crap at asthma treatment!

[giraffesCantWearSuncream]

I understand some don't have one - but ours do. the reason I stay with my GP is for their excellent management of asthma. If I had to go to hosp every time I needed a neb i would live in hosp more than I already do.

To have a piece of medical equipment and to have lost it is bonkers.

[magso]

Hopefully with all the doctors searching they have already been alerted to the situation. However things improve with tight awareness of problems so I think in the spirit of helping all in the NHS to achieve and maintain excellence, a letter along those lines is appropriate.
Hope you are breathing more easily soon.

[giraffesCantWearSuncream]

Sent an email to practice manager rather than a proper complaint