Lynne Featherstone

Surgery all day at Wood Green library. I am still pondering the benefits of open surgeries (where anyone can turn up, and people queue to see you) with "by appointment" surgeries (where people book a time in advance and get to see you then).

I have asked around MPs who have similar constituencies how they manage. The answers vary - from some who hold open surgeries, often with the punters only getting five minutes after being kept waiting for long times. One MP (not from my party) said 'they don't mind - they haven't anything else to do anyway'. I think that's dreadful myself. Maybe it's because I was brought up to believe that the 'customer' should be treated well that I don't think I could be (or would wish to be) that cavalier.

So - I am doing it by arrangement and giving each person around 15 minutes. It tends to be about the right time - and now I have got a form that people can fill in before they come in - am able to keep to time. Also - we can spend longer on the phone when people call to identify their issue and whether actually a phone call or writing is quicker and better than an actual appointment.

I am just keeping a record of everything at the moment in terms of how many people phone/want an appointment/come to surgery and where they come from. After the August recess, I will decide how many hours are appropriate and where the surgeries should be held. By all means let me have your views - use the "contact me" link on the left.