A HEALTH trust has apologised after an elderly patient with a heart condition had to wait two weeks for an appointment with a GP.

George Scott, 86, saw his doctor and was prescribed new tablets for his condition.

But after suffering side effects he tried to contact the Jones Family Practice, in Hockley, again for a further appointment.

He eventually got to see a doctor in a fortnight.

NHS South East Essex, which funds GPs’ surgeries in south Essex, apologised for the delay and pledged to investigate what went wrong.

Mr Scott, of Plumberow Avenue, Hockley, spoke of his dismay over the long delay.

He said: “I felt quite ill and wasn’t happy taking them, so I called the surgery back as I was advised to.

“It took me two weeks of waiting before I finally saw a doctor.

“I don’t understand why I should have to wait.

“Even though it was not an emergency, I still expect to be seen quicker than two weeks.”

Jenny Mazarelo, head of primary care commissioning, said the trust was sorry about the delay.

She added: “Patients rightly expect to be seen at a convenient time and quickly.

“GPs should aim to see all patients, who want an appointment, within 48 hours.

“We are sorry to hear of this and are looking into what has happened and why.”

She added patients who are unsatisfied by parts of their health service care can call the local NHS Patient Advice and Liaison service on 0800 5879159.

The trust pointed out the most recent GP patient survey showed just 5 per cent of people in south Essex, questioned between July and September last year, were unable to get an appointment to see or speak to a doctor.