I'm In Shock

[queenofmean]

I went to make an appointment to see my GP said I wasn't in a hurry any time in the next week or so would be fine. We have 4 today.

4 TODAY!!!!! Seriously

Trying to get an appointment is like trying to pull teeth.

[Arksided]

I know exactly what you mean... at my local surgery I have to pre-guess when I'm going to be poorly. "The Doctor will be available in three weeks time, that's the earliest I can book you in."

[queenofmean]

I know, it's like well ok I'll go home and have a quick word with my illness and tell it to come back.
Sometimes if they deem it necessary out surgery will book you in for a phone consultation and if they want you in you go and it's like everyone else can hang fire.

[anneasquith]

Sunshine is great medication.

[stuey]

I can always get an appointment within a week with the GP I go to.

[EDDIE51]

If your case is deemed to be 'Urgent' you will be seen the same day.
You just have to insist that you need an appointment the same day.

[queenofmean]

This is true Anne.

I think because of my diabteses at times they want to give me the once over but sometimes I just want to say this is what's wrong you can't fit me in but can you give me advice and leave it at that. But I am greatful though.

[HansUrbancka]

I have heard that if we stay in the EU it could become necessary to nominate days on which individuals are prepared to be ill. All part of proposals to save health costs at a further three billion pounds of contributions to the EU.

Hans.

[queenofmean]

Blimey...

[zebo]

I discovered recently that if you contact the 111 service they will eventually tell you to go to your medical practice, but they are obliged to see you the next day, the details are sent through to them. I saw a practice nurse and was happy to do so. In the Army medical centres, the first point of contact is with a nurse who then decides if you need to see a doctor, thus freeing the doctor from the lesser ailments.

[pixie374]

Ours is so busy offering appointments for unnecessary long-term medication reviews, checks, tests etc etc, they don't have time for people who actually want to see them.

[queenofmean]

I never knew that Zebo, thanks.

I agree Pixie...they keep sending for me to go in for an Annual Foot Check with the nurse when I get it done at Clinic as part of my annual and at the podiatrist too.

[Buenchico]

Our local surgery always has 'same day' appointments available, together with an online appointments system and an automated phone system:
http://www.needhamsurgery.co.uk/making-appointments.aspx?t=1

[Bathsheba]

I worked as a GP Receptionist briefly. All the doctors wanted us to do was keep the patients away :(

Baths
x x

[wolf63]

A couple of weeks ago, at about half past seven in the morning, my phone rang. I picked it up then saw who it was and tried to slam it down again. I heard the voice "It is Dr X here - I know that you are there. How are you?"

Sometimes I can't seem to avoid the man.

We have same day appointments as the norm and pre-bookable appointments for up to 4 weeks in advance.

[Bathsheba]

I watch that "GPs Behind Closed Doors" on Channel 5 sometimes, and wish they were my docs :)

Baths
x x x

[bednobs]

am i missing something here? Are you saying htere was a choice of 4 appontments today and you think that's terrible?

[queenofmean]

No bednobs I didn't think it was terrible. Normally you have to wait weeks for an appointment. I was just surprised that there was actually some available, especially as it was quite late on when I went in.

[Old_Geezer]

You got four separate appointments for today when you were expecting to wait a week ? That's amazing. They can't have enough on their books.

That said when I want an appointment I can phone in the morning and as long as I'm not fussy who I see I can usually get seen later that same day. Usually a locum.

[jennyjoan]

To be honest - I would rather have the locum - they seem to be that bit obliging.

[queenofmean]

It was yesterday OG - was hospital today but I'm ok I promise :)

Normally it's about 3 weeks wait. I wasn't in a rush to be seen but I wasn't expecting to be told I could have one that day.

Jennyjoan - I'm not to fond of Locums sadly. I don't even know if my practice uses them. I know the local hospital does though. Mum had one before she passed and I will admit he was great but I don't know why. But I guess everyone has a preference