Prebooked GP appointments - help me understand this barmy NHS system.

[tallmummy]

I only ever use the GP when the kids are ill so it's always a same day appointment - usually with whichever GP is free.
Tried to book an appointment for myself, with our family GP, later in the week when eldest three are at school and my mum can have baby but nothing available for 3 to 4 weeks!! I've been feeling really dizzy on and off for about 5 days and thought I should get checked out. Only appointment is the afternoon with nurse at 4.20 so will have all 4 boys with me. What a crap system.
Anyone know why I might be dizzy - feel ok otherwise just light headed a lot of the time.

[misdee]

if itsa problem now, then ask for same day appointment.

[tallmummy]

I did misdee the only one is the one they have given me with the nurse this pm.

[CountessDracula]

Call back and tell them that you feel much worse and you need to see a doc

[tallmummy]

Just tried CD, they said there are no appointments at all today and if it's an emergency I'll have to go to A&E. Don't think it's that serious, just feeling lightheaded.

[desperateSCOUSEwife]

isnt there a walk in centre you can phone up and go in

[tallmummy]

Not that i know of DSW we live in the sticks. I'm pretty sure it's some kind of inner ear infection thing thats upsetting my balance. I was doing handstands in the sea and got water in my ears. I'm just fed up that I can't make an appointment at a more convenient time rather than taking all the kids to sit in a hot doctors waiting room straight from school. We hardly ever see our family doctor anymore - usually a locum or new GP - our lady GP is excellent but she's booked up for weeks.

[desperateSCOUSEwife]

hopefully nurse can help you tonite
xxx

[tallmummy]

Thanks DSW Hope so too - I feel like I'm on a boat everytime I stand up. Very peculiar.

[themoon66]

I live out in the sticks too and A&E is 15 miles away. If there is an emergency you have a right to see a doctor the same day. Its only happened twice, but I've rung the surgery, said DD was ill and I felt it was an emergency and said 'I know the rules state I can see a doctor within 24 hours'. They have always let me sit and wait for end of surgery. Its a long wait - an hour or more - but at least I got DD seen.

[foxinsocks]

we have the same system here and it drives me round the bend

they will tell you if you really want to see a doc, your best bet is to call in the morning to get one of the same day appointments but you either can't get through (and it's right at 'taking the kids to school' time) or you have to queue outside the surgery (which means someone else takes the kids)

it's the most ridiculous system I've ever encountered - it works fine if you are really ill (and can queue in the morning) but if you want a normal appointment at a time that is convenient to you (like you say, without kids) it just does not work

[sparkler1wantsaconservatory]

The nurse practitioner is able to help with pretty much everything the GP does. It is a pain that you have to take your sons with you but (being on the other end ) appointments get snapped up very quickly for same day appointments. Would you be able to struggle through another day and see if the surgery have a more suitable appointment time for you tomorrow? Not ideal I know but it's how it works.