GP rant
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They did eventually book me an appointment which was the confusing thing. I was asked to book in at a certain time for a review of my medication. They wouldn’t let me book it there & then, so I waited and called and that was hard work 🫣 she actually ignored me when I asked what I needed to do. Then miraculously was able to get me an appointment
Honestly some gps are useless. Yesterday mine gave me a phone appointment for my daughter for something the doctor would need to look at…he called and ofc he wanted to look at it and we then had to go in later that day, could’ve saved time if they just booked a normal appointment. My partner called the other week over a spot on his face that he’s worried is skin cancer, they apparently had no appointments and said it was a stye and to go to the pharmacy…how can they even say that without seeing it and also how can a receptionist say that 🤯🤦🏻♀️
Don’t call, use econsult if your surgery uses it. I’ve never had a problem with that. The drs and nurses book appointments as appropriate for their calendar etc. I must say, my surgery seems to be miles better than the majority because I just hear these type of stories and I’ve never had an issue.
It will be because there are no pre bookable appointments available within 2 weeks. Due to government and nhs England policy gp surgeries are now monitored and fined if they book you an appointment more than 2 weeks in advance. Unfortunately there are no where near enough gps and so most places often do not have appointments for routine issues within 2 weeks. Hence they cannot book you one in advance because you of this rule. Ridiculous I agree and frustrating both for the patients and also for the gp.
If they had explained that I would understand but she just didn’t respond when I asked, she booked me in anyway so it didn’t make sense 🤷🏽♀️ totally get how stretched they are and limited but they could just explain what they mean & avoid the confusion 🤣
@Elizabeth is this true for routine stuff? I’ve booked smears 2/3 weeks in advance to make sure I’m in the middle of cycles etc. and a healthy heart review aswell. Totally understaffed though
Our GP deals with most routine stuff without appointments, have you asked what they would suggest you do? They may have another option they’ve not mentioned (like someone can ring you)